KYIV (Reuters) – A recent Ukrainian uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) strike in Russia’s Tatarstan region is believed to have involved a modified Aeroprakt A-22 light aircraft, according to experts. This incident sheds light on one of Kyiv’s most significant drone strikes to date.
Russia reported that the attack hit dormitories at an industrial site, injuring 13 people. A source from Kyiv intelligence stated that the target was a facility used to produce Russian long-range drones that have been utilized extensively in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Reports from Russian media indicated that two drones were involved in the incident at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, located over 1,200 km away from the Ukrainian border. The second drone’s identity remains unknown.
Video footage captured the moment a winged aircraft approached the site before exploding upon impact, as spectators watched.
Using various landmarks in the video, Janes, a defense intelligence company, tentatively identified the aircraft as the A-22, a two-seat ultra-light model manufactured by Aeroprakt in Ukraine.
Aeroprakt’s founder, Yuriy Yakovlyev, acknowledged similarities in the drone’s appearance to the A-22 but clarified that his company is not involved in UAV production due to a lack of expertise in navigation and control systems for such technology.
He suggested that individuals may have repurposed one of the 1,600 Aeroprakt planes produced for use as an uncrewed vehicle, including the 100 sold in Russia prior to the conflict.
Earlier this year, a senior Ukrainian government official disclosed plans to mass-produce long-range drones in 2024 as part of a defense initiative against Russia.
Amid challenges in obtaining long-range missiles and limited access to Western allies’ technology, Ukraine has prioritized the development of long-range UAVs for counterattacks against Russia’s aerial bombardment.
In recent months, Ukraine has intensified strikes deep within Russian territory, primarily targeting oil facilities to weaken the country’s financial support for the war.
One anonymous Ukrainian developer emphasized the simplicity of converting a light aircraft into an uncrewed vehicle, citing the abundance of available aircraft due to airspace restrictions during the conflict.
Samuel Bendett from the Center for a New American Security endorsed the A-22 as the likely aircraft used in the attack and highlighted the potential long-range capabilities achievable through modifications.
Concerns were raised over the lack of air defense at the Alabuga site, suggesting a possible underestimation of Ukraine’s capabilities by Russia.
Russia’s failure to intercept the aircraft in its airspace further underscored the effectiveness of utilizing civilian aircraft for covert operations.
Observers like Rob Lee pointed out the uncertainty surrounding the launch location of the aircraft and the possibility of it originating from within Russia, particularly for carrying heavier payloads.
He anticipated Ukraine’s continued exploration of cost-effective solutions, including repurposing existing aircraft and developing tailor-made options, while noting Russia’s likely response to bolster defenses.
As the conflict evolves, both sides are expected to adapt their strategies in the ongoing drone warfare.
Additional reporting by Sergiy Karazy; editing by Mike Collett-White and Sharon Singleton
