Ukraine deploys British kamikaze drones in battle

Defense Express writes about it. 

Officials in London announced plans to transfer these long-range kamikaze drones in May 2023. Now, it's confirmed that Banshee Jet 80+ drones, armed with a 7 kg warhead, are actively being used by Ukraine in combat.

The fuselage of one such drone, marked with the number "35," suggests this is just the beginning, as plans include transferring hundreds of these attack UAVs.

The Russian Federation reports that one of these drones was neutralized near Novoazovsk in the Donetsk region, close to the Russian border, approximately 90 km from the front line.

The Banshee Jet 80+ boasts an operational range of over 100 km in its target version, contradicting earlier official claims of a 200 km range. However, its flight time exceeds 45 minutes, and its speed ranges from 180 km/h to 720 km/h, making a 200 km flight plausible.

Originally a target drone for training air defense calculations and pilots, the Banshee Jet 80+ underwent modifications to carry a warhead. This choice aligns with the practical need for cost-effective mass production, considering the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The deployment of these drones marks a significant step in the development of Ukraine's drone capabilities, initiated through a British Ministry of Defense program in early 2023. The Banshee Jet 80+ was among the most probable choices, emphasizing the emphasis on affordability and mass production in the decision-making process.