Ukraine says Russia built metal-cutting drones to target power grid
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Ukraine's military intelligence says Russia has developed a drone with an explosive charge in its wings designed to cut through metal and bring down power pylons. The damage could cause blackouts in regions near the front line and take days to repair. The claim comes as both sides increasingly target civilian infrastructure to maximize economic damage.
Key Facts
- Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy chief of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence, said Russia developed drones with wings containing an explosive element capable of cutting through metal.
- The drones are designed to bring down electricity pylons in the coming winter, according to Skibitskyi.
- Damage from such strikes would take days to repair and could cause blackouts in many regions close to the front line.
- Skibitskyi did not provide specifics on warhead weight, range, or launch profile for the drones.
The Drone Claim
In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence, said Russia developed drones with wings that "contain an explosive element capable of cutting through metal." Skibitskyi said the drones are designed to bring down electricity pylons in the coming winter. He did not elaborate on warhead weight, range, or launch profile.
Grid Vulnerability
The damage from such drones would take days to repair, and while a full grid collapse is unlikely, it can cause blackouts in many regions close to the front line. Even a single hit could, in theory, take out a large swath of the grid in a region with extremely cold winters, where heat and power are crucial for civilians and the military. Drones targeting a high-voltage tower could do maximum damage by embedding explosive material in their wings.
Infrastructure Targeting
Both sides are increasingly targeting civilian infrastructure to maximize economic damage, according to reports. Russia has relied on cost-effective weaponry in large numbers, such as Iran-designed Shahed drones. Recent attacks have targeted a mix of military bases, refineries, and even retail stores.
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Ukraine says Russia built metal-cutting drones to target power grid
