In a recent attack on Kyiv Oblast, Russian forces may have used new Italmas long-range drones for the first time. This was announced by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in its latest update, according to which this type of drone offers significantly improved specifications compared to another Russian-made UAV called Lancet. These upgrades would include a larger warhead and a range of up to 200 kilometers. The drone is said to have a gasoline engine, with the fuel tank integrated into the wing structure.
Russian sources – American analysts write – have emphasized that Italmas drones are lighter than Shahed drones and more difficult to detect and shoot down. According to reports, Italmas drones are also cheaper, meaning they can be manufactured and used on a larger scale, but are also less effective. Russian sources therefore said that Russian forces are likely to use Italmas drones together with the Shahed.