Ukraine’s Engineer Linked to Drone Technology Killed in Russia
One of the engineers involved in developing special antennas for Shahed drones has been reported dead in Russia. The technology was initially created in Ukraine, according to Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, reports 24brussels.
Budanov stated that the engineer was associated with CRPA antennas—devices that enable drones to maintain navigation despite active electronic jamming. He clarified that while these antennas are now manufactured in Russia, their development took place in Ukraine in the early 2000s, a time when they failed to interest Ukrainian officials, leading the creators to relocate to Russia.
“What’s new? They are enhancing the CRPA antennas, moving to 16-channel systems. These antennas are currently produced in Russia, but the design originated with an engineer in Ukraine. It was deemed unnecessary back in the early 2000s, prompting his move to Russia. Tragically, one of them has perished, and the second is still alive but likely not for long,” Budanov explained.
CRPA (Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna) is a specialized GNSS antenna that reliably identifies authentic navigation signals, even in the face of intense jamming. It detects false signals, blocking them to allow the drone to maintain its course and accurately strike targets despite interference.
Such antennas have been found in Russian reconnaissance drones such as the Orlan-10, SuperCam, and in Shahed-136 drones, which are actively utilized by Russia in attacks on Ukraine.
Maryia Berlinska, founder of the NGO “Center for Aerial Reconnaissance Support” and leader of Victory Drones, emphasized that Ukraine has “hit a ceiling” in its military technology capabilities at a time when Russia is heavily funding and scaling the best Ukrainian developments, practices, and tactics. She urges Ukrainians to “reprogram for a long game,” investing in the technological militarization of society and initiating communication with technology exporters.