Russian Forces Use Suicide Drones Equipped With Anti-Tank Mines in New Escalation

Russian forces are using a dangerous new tactic in the Sumy region, equipping Shahed suicide drones with containers carrying anti-tank mines mounted under their wings.

Military communications specialist Serhiy Flesh reported on October 27 that multiple instances of these weaponized drones have been recorded in the area just today.

The discovery prompted an urgent warning to both military personnel and civilians. Any mines discovered must not be touched.

Furthermore, it is strictly forbidden to approach the mines closely or drive near them with vehicles. The ordnance is highly unstable as it is designed with a self-destruct mechanism that activates after a set period.

At the same time, Russia is also equipping the Geran-2 (Shahed-type) loitering munitions with a newly identified fragmentation–high-explosive warhead, which appears specifically designed to detonate in an air burst. This upgrade significantly increases the weapon's destructive potential against exposed personnel, radar, and other soft-skinned targetsю

The new warhead is a cylindrical unit, approximately 300 mm in diameter and 375 mm in length, which bears factory markings and a yellow alignment line. Experts examining the warhead found pre-formed fragmentation elements located in the upper part of its casing. The base of the unit features three fill ports and six threaded bolts used to secure a 493M inertia-action base fuze.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia is stepping up its attacks on Ukraine's rail network, using long-range drones to strike trains far inside the country to disrupt logistics and cause widespread fear.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW