Ukraine’s RAM-2X Drones Hit 150 km Behind Lines, Outsmarting Russian Defenses

Ukrainian forces are increasingly employing RAM-2X loitering munitions against Russian targets, prompting visible concern among Russian military commentators, according to Defense Express on September 5.

Reports highlight that the drones are proving difficult to detect or counter using available electronic warfare systems.

Russian channels began circulating warnings after widely shared footage showed a RAM-2X striking a vehicle transporting a damaged tank.

The location of the attack has been geolocated by open-source analysts to several possible sites, including Debaltseve, Alchevsk, and most likely Kadiivka—around 40 kilometers from the front line.

According to Defense Express, Russian commentators noted that the drones employ encrypted communications through StreamCaster equipment produced by the US company Silvus.

This system uses mesh networking, which allows each unit in the network to function as both a transmitter and a relay, making the link resilient to disruption. Even if one or more nodes are jammed, the network can automatically reroute signals.

The RAM-2X is also reported to operate in coordination with Ukraine’s Shark reconnaissance drone, which uses a similar communication system.

The Shark acts as both a spotter and a potential relay, further extending operational effectiveness. Ukrainian officials have previously confirmed Shark’s resilience against electronic warfare measures.

Defense Express noted that Russian drone detection systems appear unable to identify the RAM-2X, leaving many of its strikes unexpected.

Russian sources have called on electronic warfare operators to monitor StreamCaster signals even in areas far from the front, suggesting they believe the drone’s range may extend up to 150 kilometers. Official specifications, however, have not been disclosed by Ukraine.

The RAM-2X and Shark systems were developed by UkrSpecSystems, a company within NAUDI, and were first demonstrated publicly in December 2024.

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that Ukraine became the first country to deploy AI-guided drone swarms in combat, carrying out over one hundred missions where UAVs coordinated, identified targets, and struck with minimal human oversight.

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