The Russian military has, for the first time, deployed a jet-powered attack drone equipped with a special warhead designed to destroy high-voltage power pylons and steel bridge structures, according to Ukrainian officials. The information was shared by Serhii Beskrestnov, an advisor to the Ukrainian president on defense technology development.
Specialized warhead reportedly targets strategic structures
According to Beskrestnov, Russia used this warhead on Wednesday, September 30. The weapon is a shaped charge consisting of a primary explosive weighing about 40 kilograms, supported by four additional modules.
Available information suggests that the warhead was specifically engineered to damage robust steel constructions. This includes high-voltage electrical pylons and steel bridges.
The claim was reported by the Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda and subsequently picked up by TASR. The information regarding the warhead’s first use comes solely from Ukrainian officials and has not been independently verified.
Jet-powered drone marks further technological development
The carrier drone itself has drawn significant attention. Russian forces reportedly used a jet-powered drone to deliver the warhead.
In recent months, Russia has increased the number of jet-powered attack drones it uses, especially newer models from the Geran series, which are faster than older propeller-driven unmanned aircraft.
The development and deployment of these drones was previously covered in detail in our article about the use of Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones against Ukraine.
Potential pressure on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
Beskrestnov says the use of a warhead specifically designed to destroy power pylons could indicate an intention to intensify attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Power lines are a critical component of the national grid. Damage to key pylons can disrupt electricity transmission, and repairs can be complicated, especially if multiple locations are hit at once.
Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been a target for Russian attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion. The sector’s protection is seen as especially important ahead of winter.
Russia’s use of jet-powered drones is increasing
According to the Oboronka portal, Russian attacks using jet-powered drones have increased significantly recently. In July, Russia reportedly used them against Ukraine five times more often than in June.
These new unmanned aircraft also present new challenges for Ukrainian air defense. Their higher speed reduces the time defenders have to detect, target, and destroy incoming threats.
Our article about the latest developments in Russian jet-powered drones provides more context on this technological shift.
Russian drones equipped with Chinese engines
An analysis of wreckage from Russian drones, as reported by Oboronka, has highlighted changes in their propulsion systems.
After initial supply challenges, the Russian drone industry is reportedly producing drones with Chinese jet engines. The latest Geran-4 and Geran-5 series are said to use Telefly TF-TJ2000A engines, which are assembled at the Alabuga industrial complex in Russia.
Information about the origin of these components is based on analyses of drone debris and public reports about Russia’s production activities.
Energy infrastructure remains a sensitive target as winter approaches
If the use of similar warheads becomes more widespread, their significance could lie in being able to precisely target key sections of critical infrastructure.
Ukraine is preparing for another winter season, when the stability of its energy network will be vital for households, industry, and essential services.
However, it remains unconfirmed how extensively Russia intends to use this type of warhead, or whether such attacks will become a regular tactic.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
