Ukrainian engineers have developed and successfully tested a drone capable of covering a distance of 3,000 km, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Such a flight range makes it possible to reach important strategic targets deep in the Russian Federation, radically changing the balance of forces in the theater of operations.
Zelensky announced on March 17 the successful completion of tests of a Ukrainian drone with a range of 3,000 km. This success is part of a general plan to increase the availability of long-range means for the country’s defense.
Experts believe that the new drone is capable of reaching, in particular, Novosibirsk, as well as attacking critical infrastructure, such as the Omsk oil refinery. Last year, Ukrainian drones have already carried out impressive attacks, including on the Gazprom Neftohim Salavat refinery in Bashkortostan (1,500 km – a record range at that time), and on the Olenya airfield in the Murmansk region (1,800 km).
The type of drone that was tested is not currently disclosed. However, in 2023 it became known about the certification for the Armed Forces of the Ukrainian SSR of the AeroDrone D-80 Discovery and E-300 Enterprise models. Project partners note that increasing the fuel tank to 350 liters can provide a range of up to 3,100 km.
Ukraine is actively developing a program to create long-range strike weapons. In addition to drones, the Armed Forces of Ukraine also successfully use Neptune missiles (range up to 1,000 km). President Zelensky emphasizes that the development of drones and missiles is a strategic priority that will be discussed with international partners.
The new drone, which can cover 3000 km, opens up significant prospects for the Ukrainian Defense Forces, allowing them to strike important objects on the territory of the Russian Federation. This changes the military balance, requiring the enemy to strengthen air defense in the deep rear.
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