This serves several purposes. The targets themselves, such as oil storage sites and airfields, are of strategic importance. Additionally, it stretches russian air defenses, forcing some to be deployed far away from the front lines.
In the publication by OSINT analyst HI Sutton, several variants of Ukrainian OWA-UAVs, informally known as kamikaze drones, are listed, which Ukraine uses to strike the rear of the aggressor.
Read more: Capabilities of Mysterious Drones From Destinus Allegedly Supplied to Ukraine: Lord, Ruta, and Hornet
Mugin-5
Initially, Ukraine leveraged commercially available drones such as the Chinese built Mugin-5. Mugin-5 UAV was used in August 2022 to attack the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol and other strategic targets. These have been superseded by Ukrainian produced designs.
UJ-22 Airborne
The Ukrjet UJ-22 Airborne is a single engine drone which can either carry an internal warhead or several air-dropped bombs. Payload is up to 20 kg. At about 3.7 meters long and a wingspan of 4.2 meters, it is one of the largest OWA-UAVs known to be in service. Range is reported as 800 km.
The UJ-22 is confirmed to have been employed in attacks on Moscow, including in February 2023.
Morok
A sleek-looking OWA-UAV based on the RZ-60 target drone. It has a comparatively shorter range of 300 km and a small warhead of just 3 kg. It is launched with the aid of a rocket and can achieve a respectable 290 kmph.
UJ-25 Skyline
The UJ-25 Skyline is essentially a weaponized development of the Ukrajet UJ-23 Topaz target drone. It is a jet powered type with generally stealthy lines and distinctive forward swept wings. Few details are available. At least one has been reported in russia.
UJ-26 Beaver
One of the better known types, the Beaver (Bober) has a distinctive canard layout with sleek fuselage and inverted tail. The type was introduced in 2023 and has reportedly entered mass production. Range is in the order of 1,000 km and payload is reported as 20 kg. This type has been used to attack Moscow and other targets in russia.
Lyutyy
Lyutyy is relatively large with a traditional UAV construction. It has a passing resemblance to the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2, but not in detail. It is apparent from photographic evidence that Lyutyy is related to the pre-war Antonov AN-BK-1 Horlytsia (Turtle Dove) design.
AQ-400 Scythe
The Terminal Autonomy AQ-400 Scythe is a volunteer project which has entered serial production. It has a crude box-like fuselage and tandem wings with distinct end plates on the forward set. Range is slightly shorter than some other types, reported at 750 km but payload heavier at 32 kg. Payload can reportedly be increased to some 70 kg with a reduced range.
Unnamed types
Unnamed Types: Several downed UAVs, including an unidentified type that might be the latest Ukrainian-made kamikaze drone.
All photos by OSINT analyst H I Sutton
Read more: Ukrainian Warriors Receive New UAV in Accordance with NATO Standards
