Ukraine deploys drones armed with 250-kg bombs to target Russia

Defense Express reported the information.

A published image shows a FAB-250M-54 high-explosive bomb alongside a 120-mm mortar round, though the exact drone model remains undisclosed. However, this tactic is not new — Ukraine has long been deploying UAVs with full-sized aerial bombs for strikes.

Back in April 2024, Russian sources released images of a downed SkyRanger Swift light aircraft converted into an attack drone carrying a similar bomb. Reports indicate it likely crashed due to technical failure or Russian electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures. Experts have compared these drones to the Soviet "Night Witches," who used biplanes for nocturnal bombing raids.

The SkyRanger Swift UAV with FAB-100 bomb that crashed in April 2024, Photo: Defense Express

Unlike 'kamikaze' drones, these UAVs are reusable, returning to base after releasing their payload to be prepared for future missions. One previously documented drone showed four confirmed strikes. The accuracy of these bombing raids is ensured by an optical targeting system.

According to Defense Express, while previous drone strikes utilized FAB-100 bombs, recent evidence suggests the adoption of the more powerful FAB-250. This could indicate the use of a larger, more capable aircraft as a drone platform or improved modifications to the SkyRanger Swift itself.