In a recent escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian military deployed a new and previously unseen type of drone during an attack on July 20.
A Mystery Weapon
According to Tech this drone, described as a "mystery weapon," differs significantly from the commonly used Shahed-136 drones, according to reports from Ukrainian military officials.
During the attack, Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted 13 out of 16 Shahed-136 drones. However, one drone could not be identified and was downed. Upon closer examination, it became clear that this drone did not match any previously encountered models. Ukrainian officials have classified it as an "unidentified type" due to its distinctive features and behavior.
Exceptionally Low Altitude
The new drone reportedly flew at an exceptionally low altitude of only 20-30 meters. This is in stark contrast to the Shahed-136, which operates at higher altitudes. The unidentified drone's design, while resembling some elements of other Russian drones, shows significant differences, suggesting it might be a novel addition to the Russian arsenal.
Defense Express notes that this new drone resembles the Zala 421-20, primarily used for reconnaissance and typically not operating at such low levels. However, the new drone has several unique characteristics that set it apart from the Zala 421-20, including a wingspan exceeding 4 meters and a square-shaped fuselage.
Ukrainian authorities are currently analyzing the downed drone to understand its capabilities and potential threat. This analysis is crucial for assessing the new weapon's impact on the conflict and for developing countermeasures.
