In the aftermath of recent drone incidents impacting Moscow, a prominent Russian figure has leveled a pointed accusation regarding the origin of the attacking unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Dmitry Rogozin, former head of Russia`s state space corporation Roscosmos and currently a senator, stated via his social media channel on July 12th that drones deployed against the Russian capital were produced by Destinus, a company based in Switzerland and founded by Mikhail Kokorich.
The Accusation Unpacked
Rogozin`s claim is based on the examination of wreckage from a “Lord” model drone that reportedly crashed near Moscow. According to his information, this drone is a hybrid, capable of operating both as a loitering munition and a reconnaissance platform. Its design emphasizes low visibility and quiet operation, featuring a frame constructed from tubes covered with thin plywood. Specifications cited include a length of 2.5 meters, a wingspan up to 3 meters, a potential range of up to 2000 km, and a payload capacity of up to 150 kg. Navigation is reportedly handled by an inertial navigation system (INS) working in conjunction with GPS, with launches conducted using a mobile catapult system.
The Man Behind the Company
Central to Rogozin`s accusation is Mikhail Kokorich. Rogozin details Kokorich`s history within the Russian private space sector, noting that he previously led “Dauria Aerospace,” a firm based in the Skolkovo technopark in Russia. Dauria Aerospace reportedly received a state contract from Roscosmos for the development of two CubeSats and their launch containers. This project, according to Rogozin, ended unsuccessfully, with neither satellite reaching orbit.
Rogozin recounts meeting Kokorich 13 years prior, claiming it was “obvious even at the first meeting… that he is an out-and-out scammer.” He further asserts that Kokorich “fled abroad” to avoid responsibility for the failed satellite projects and “last year, this bastard renounced his Russian citizenship.”
Switzerland`s `Neutrality` Questioned
The involvement of Destinus, a company registered in Switzerland, is particularly highlighted by Rogozin. He suggests that Kokorich and his associates invested in this drone project – which he dismissively refers to as a “plywood aircraft” – specifically to target Russia. The implication is clear: a company operating from seemingly neutral Switzerland is allegedly supplying military hardware used in attacks on Russian territory.
Rogozin concluded his statement by suggesting that the alleged “direct proof of the Swiss Confederation`s complicity in the air attack on Moscow is a subject for analysis by our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant special services.”
This development links a high-profile former Russian space official`s strong personal grievances with a specific technical accusation regarding the source of drones impacting the capital, potentially raising diplomatic questions concerning the role of countries where such manufacturing might occur.
