Reports describe an operation in which FPV unmanned aerial vehicles were used to strike what authorities describe as a camouflaged Ukrainian stronghold near Kupyansk. The briefing, attributed to the Russian Ministry of Defense through RIA News, claims the strike targeted a defended position identified by Russian military intelligence in that sector. After receiving a combat mission, drones belonging to the 6th combined arms army and the Western group of forces were said to have neutralized the Ukrainian fortification, according to the ministry.
Officials say the FPV drone team concentrates its activity on a range of targets each day, including armored vehicles and infantry. The description emphasizes a routine tempo of engagement from this unit as it executes multiple sorties and neutralizes different threats on the battlefield, as reported by the ministry.
On January 10, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy announced the upcoming entry into service of new heavy attack drones, the Pacer and the S-70 Okhotnik, as part of broader efforts to strengthen maritime and anti-submarine capabilities. He indicated that improving existing air platforms such as the Tu-142MZ and Il-38, along with Ka-27 and Ka-31R helicopters, would bolster anti-submarine warfare and maritime reconnaissance capabilities for the fleet.
Earlier statements from Ukrainian military leadership acknowledged that Russia has advantages in the use of FPV drones. These comments reflect ongoing assessments from Kyiv regarding aerial reconnaissance and hit‑and‑run capabilities in the current security environment.