Kharkiv has come under new threat as russia begins deploying a new type of drone, known as Molniya, according to the regional prosecutor’s office. Designed for speed and range, these drones are intended to pose a greater threat than traditional FPV drones.
The Molniya drones, capable of carrying up to 5 kg of explosives, can reach targets up to 40 kilometers away. Airlogix representative Viktor Lokotkov noted, “They are more terrifying than FPV drones, faster to reach the target, with greater range.”
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Constructed with low-cost materials such as plywood, veneer, foam, and aluminum tubing, these drones rely on inexpensive Chinese electronics for their guidance systems. Despite their speed and range advantages, their accuracy remains limited, with a hit rate of only 1 in 8.
While the Molniya UAVs are faster than FPV drones, they can still be countered by similar defense measures. However, if they lose their signal, they may veer off course, potentially striking unintended targets, making them “a mere terrorist tool”.
As Kharkiv remains under attack, this new wave of drones highlights the ongoing need for effective counter-drone strategies to protect civilian areas from emerging threats.
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