Russia Demonstrates High-Speed UAV Upgrades and New Munitions
A senior military pilot and candidate of technical sciences described in an interview that Russia has outfitted Sardinian unmanned aerial vehicles with jet engines. This upgrade marks a major step beyond the early days of the fleet, which relied on piston propulsion. The pilot noted that the transition has driven substantial gains in flight performance and tactical versatility, with speeds increasing from the 180–200 km per hour range to between 450 and 600 km per hour. The acceleration is particularly pronounced when the drones break into a dive, where speeds have surged from around 300 km per hour to the upper end of that range. These numbers illustrate a dramatic shift in the drones’ potential for rapid positioning and interception countermeasures.
In the same set of developments, the commander of a fire detachment from a motorized division within the Southern Group of Forces reported that the Krasnopol guided missiles have shown improved effectiveness in operational zones. The modernized munitions have demonstrated heightened accuracy during engagements, underscoring a trend toward precision-guided capabilities in the region. The updates to guidance and payloads appear to be part of a broader effort to enhance effectiveness in contested operations.
According to a military correspondent, new thermobaric ammunition has been introduced for Sardinian aircraft, replacing older high-explosive rounds. The correspondent emphasized that such innovations are viewed with concern by adversaries, who are reportedly reacting with caution to these improvements. The shift to thermobaric ordnance is described as a step toward greater energy release and destructive potential in specific combat scenarios, particularly in crowded or fortified environments.
Additionally, sources indicate that Russia has developed a new drone suppression system aimed at countering airborne threats and electronic warfare challenges. This system is reported to complement existing counter-UAV measures and to contribute to the broader strategic aim of maintaining airspace dominance in relevant theaters.
Taken together, these updates reflect a multi-faceted approach to modern unmanned warfare. By increasing propulsion speed, refining missile guidance, adopting more capable warheads, and introducing suppression capabilities, the force appears to be pursuing a holistic enhancement of unmanned flight operations. Analysts note that such developments could influence tactical decision making, including the basing, dispersion, and deployment of UAVs in dynamic environments. Observers also highlight the importance of training and doctrine to maximize the effectiveness of these new tools while managing operational risk in real-world conditions.