New Russian Drone Revealed by Ukrainian Intelligence
On July 22, 2025, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine disclosed information regarding the design of a new Russian drone utilized for reconnaissance and simulating aerial targets. According to the intelligence report, the drone aids in identifying positions of Ukrainian air defense, with its combat payload reportedly reaching up to 15 kg, reports 24brussels.
The drone features a delta-wing fuselage visually similar to the Iranian Shahed-136 (“Geran-2”), although it is significantly smaller in size. Most key components are sourced from China, predominantly of civilian use.
Approximately half of the drone’s components, including the autopilot, navigation modules, antennas, airspeed sensors, and pitot tubes, are reportedly manufactured by the Chinese company CUAV Technology. In October 2022, CUAV announced a ban on the export of its products to both Ukraine and Russia to prevent their use in military applications. However, by 2023, Russia unveiled a vertical takeoff drone, which turned out to be a finished product from CUAV, likely acquired through open marketplaces like AliExpress.
In addition to CUAV, the drone’s construction includes parts from several other Chinese manufacturers:
- Engine and ignition electronics module from DLE (Mile Haoxiang Technology Co., Ltd.);
- KST servos, previously used in the Shahed-136 and Russian guided bombs;
- FPV camera Razer from Foxeer Technology;
- Data transmission module Mayatech RFD900X, a Chinese copy of the Australian RFDesign RFD900x module, which can transmit information over a distance of up to 40 km in line of sight;
- Video transmitter ReadyToSky, Hobbywing Technology power regulator, and HRB Power battery.
Furthermore, the deployment of communication modules among multiple drones potentially enables Russia to establish a networked reconnaissance capability on the battlefield.
Previously, aviation experts have discussed the effectiveness of interception drones against “Shaheds,” emphasizing the ongoing developments in drone technology during the conflict.
