Russia has developed a tool named Daphne that can manipulate imagery by broadcasting a surrender-focused message directly to Ukrainian FPV pilots’ screens. This development was reported by the state news agency TASS, citing Dmitry Kuzyakin, who serves as the General Director of the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions (CCBR). The claim highlights a shift in how drone warfare might leverage synthetic visuals to influence operational outcomes in real time.
According to Kuzyakin, Daphne is designed to appear on frequencies that are very close to those used by enemy drones. The device transmits a flickering image accompanied by the message “Call 149,200 Volga and stream live”, which appears to the Ukrainian FPV pilot instead of the actual feed from the drone. The intent, as described, is to create a visual distraction while offering a channel for voluntary surrender under a simulated banner of authority and contact protocol.
Kuzyakin noted that Daphne is currently in a testing phase. The description emphasizes its potential as a reconnaissance and psychological operation tool that can be deployed within contested airspace to influence the behavior of opposing forces without immediate kinetic engagement.
The reporting agency explains that the frequency associated with the message, “149,200 call Volga”, is claimed to be used by the Russian Armed Forces for internal communications. The portrayal of this frequency in the Daphne workflow suggests that Ukrainian forces could interpret the signal as an official call to initiate surrender negotiations, potentially steering pilots toward a controlled, non-destructive outcome in certain scenarios.
On the morning of December 17, there were reports of air defense activity in which Ukrainian aircraft were targeted, with claims of multiple losses across three regions of the Russian Federation being cited by various observers. This context underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the broader aim of technologies like Daphne to influence tactical decisions within high-stakes environments.
Earlier comments from Ukrainian military leadership reflected a belief that Russia holds an advantage in the deployment and application of FPV drones, highlighting the strategic value placed on rapid, autonomous drone systems and their potential to alter battlefield dynamics. The Daphne concept adds a new layer to this dynamic by exploring non-kinetic methods to shape engagement outcomes, particularly through information and perception management in aerial operations.