Russia starts painting drones black to complicate detection - Air Force spokesman

He said this during a telethon.

According to him, the Russian forces had previously improved their drones by using composite materials to create a reflective surface. Now they have used a material that absorbs radar signals.

"Now we see that we have used carbon fibre material. Carbon, which is an absorbing material for radar signals, and the black colour is understandable," he said.

The spokesman explained that this would make air defence more difficult, as it would be harder for mobile fire teams to identify targets. However, he reminded that during the attack that took place on the night of 25 November, Ukrainian defenders destroyed 74 out of 75 enemy drones.

Ihnat also clarified that these UAVs are not a new jet modification of Iranian drones, despite their external similarities.

• On the night of 25 November, the Russian forces launched a record number of drones into the territory of Ukraine. The Air Defence Forces destroyed 74 of the 75 UAVs.