Ukraine exposes new Russian recon-drone loaded with Chinese components

According to the HUR press service, some reports indicate that the drone can carry up to 15 kg of payload. It features a delta-wing fuselage resembling the Shahed-136 but is significantly smaller.

All of its components, the HUR notes, are of Chinese origin. Nearly half — including the flight controller with autopilot, navigation modules and antennas, airspeed sensor, and Pitot tube — are produced by the Chinese company CUAV Technology, known for developing UAV systems and modules.

In October 2022, CUAV Technology announced restrictions on supplying its products to Ukraine and Russia to prevent their military use. Despite this, in 2023 Russia unveiled a vertical take-off drone claimed to be domestically designed, which was actually a CUAV product available for purchase on AliExpress.

According to the HUR, besides CUAV components, these drones also use engines and electronic ignition modules from DLE (Mile Haoxiang Technology Co., Ltd.), KST servo drives, Razer FPV cameras by Foxeer Technology, Mayatech RFD900X data transmission modules, ReadyToSky video transmitters, Hobbywing Technology power regulators, and HRB Power batteries.

The drone is also equipped with a Chinese-made copy of the Australian RFD900x data transmission module by RFDesign. Like the original, this Chinese version supports long-distance data transmission—up to 40 km in line of sight, depending on the antenna used.

According to the HUR, this module enables the creation of a data transmission channel from the drone to its ground control station or between UAVs, thereby enhancing reconnaissance capabilities.

• Previously, Russia used DLE engines in its Gerbera and Parody UAVs, while KST servo drives have been incorporated in Shahed-136 and V2U UAVs, as well as in universal planning and correction modules and aviation bombs.