General Popov explains how kamikaze drones without landing gear were launched at Izhevsk.
Advanced enemy kamikaze drones that attacked a facility in Izhevsk on Tuesday, July 1st, were most likely delivered to Russian territory beforehand and launched from a distance of no more than 150 kilometers. Military expert and Meritorious Military Pilot Major General Vladimir Popov shared this information in an interview.
According to him, AFU drone attacks on the Central region may also resume once clear weather returns.
Recall that AFU drones attacked an enterprise in Izhevsk on Tuesday. According to local residents, two explosions were heard in the city. The attack resulted in three deaths and 20 injuries. Seven people are in serious condition.
According to some reports, the enemy likely used a modernized version of the An-196 “Lyutyi” kamikaze drone for the attacks on Izhevsk. This drone lacks landing gear, and its shape has been modified to increase range and reduce radar signature.
According to military expert Vladimir Popov, the modernized drones used by the enemy are quite serious weapons:
“Currently, new modernized drones are being supplied to the AFU. They achieve more precise targeting, especially if we haven`t suppressed satellite or cellular communication systems in time, which have quite good stability characteristics due to numerous relay stations. That`s why SIM card sales are being tightened now, and that`s correct.”
How are drones without landing gear launched?
“Launching such a vehicle is only possible from a catapult. Of course, they didn`t fly from Ukrainian territory but were launched from 100-150 kilometers away, 300 at most. The drones were assembled beforehand, transported, and launched from a setup. After takeoff, the landing gear is jettisoned upon signal. This not only lightens the structure itself but also reduces aerodynamic drag. Kamikaze drones don`t need landing gear to land; they have other objectives.”
What kind of warhead can such a drone carry?
“The warhead can be quite powerful – 35-50 kilograms or even more, depending on the launch area. But I believe the enemy operated from a relatively short distance, targeting using precise coordinates. I also don`t rule out the possibility of a group or specialist marking the target, either with a laser or using a pre-positioned beacon that the drone `caught` upon approach, coordinating its precise hit on the object. The damage precisely indicates that the drone was accurately guided.”
The Central region is currently hardly attacked. Is the pause due to bad weather?
“Certainly, bad weather limits the operation of drone systems. Optical-electronic satellites in orbit that help guide drones cannot see us.”
At the same time, while cyclones are active, can the AFU accumulate UAVs?
“Certainly. Moreover, the AFU have already managed to build up significant stockpiles on our territory. But, as far as I know, customs service specialists have already been sent directives on whom and what kind of cargo to pay attention to, and what indirect signs should arouse suspicion. I`ve mentioned before that attention should be paid to light cargo, because the drone itself isn`t heavy, only the engine is quite weighty. Therefore, the engine is usually transported separately in a container, while light components can be hidden in bulk products like flour or sugar.”
What should we do in such a case?
“We should have carefully informed citizens that we are living and working in a period of threat. This applies to everyone. Belgorod, Kursk, Voronezh, Tula, Rostov regions, Krasnodar, Crimea – essentially, the frontline rear area. Therefore, it`s necessary to introduce a permit system there, even a curfew in some places, turn off cellular communication at night, leaving only specific frequencies for specialists. People will endure; there are landlines, emergency radio stations. Everyday issues are not the main concern now.”
“It`s necessary to form special purpose groups from citizens, volunteers, perhaps specialists, who should have jammers with them. It is necessary to monitor the airspace in a timely manner and be very attentive to suspicious individuals and vehicles.”
“This should be done even in the Far East, Siberia, the Urals foothills, or the Urals. These areas can also be subject to the work of sabotage and reconnaissance groups. Our enemy is not that foolish. Moreover, they have very good instructors from foggy Albion (Britain).”
