Russian military forces have initiated the production of first-person view (FPV) drones using components from captured or damaged Ukrainian drones. This development is taking place in a specialized military laboratory located in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region.
The facility, part of the Russian military group known as “South,” reportedly assembles between 300 and 400 combat-ready FPV drones every 15 days. To create a single operational unit, the Russian forces utilize parts from five to six seized Ukrainian drones, processing approximately 1,500 captured unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over a two-week period.
The assembly process follows a systematic approach. Initially, Ukrainian drones are intercepted using electronic warfare systems before being transported to the workshop. One occupant noted, “Over a span of 15 days, our laboratory assembles around 300 to 350, with a maximum of 400 drones. We need to sift through 1,500 Ukrainian drones to produce 300 to 400 of our own.”
Key components extracted from the Ukrainian technology include motherboards, printed circuit boards, engines, and various other usable parts. The operation is divided among different teams, with some specialists focusing on disassembly while others update the firmware to ensure the drones operate on enemy frequencies. A separate group is responsible for assembling the finished systems and training pilots.
This production capability significantly supports the Russian military. Estimates suggest that Russian forces deploy over 1,000 strike drones weekly. If the reports regarding the Donetsk facility are accurate, it could fulfill approximately 25% of the enemy’s drone requirements independently.
In parallel, Ukraine is testing new types of FPV drones expected to be deployed to the front lines within the next one to two months. Plans are in place to cover a zone extending 100 to 150 kilometers from the border with short-range strike drones.
Additionally, Ukrainian drone operators have conducted training sessions for NATO allies, demonstrating effective strategies that led to the defeat of a simulated adversary using drones. Meanwhile, the United States is in discussions with Ukraine regarding the testing and potential acquisition of Ukrainian drones and electronic warfare systems, as well as access to specific military technologies.
Russian forces have set up a drone production facility in occupied Donetsk, reportedly assembling hundreds of FPV drones from captured Ukrainian technology. This initiative could meet a significant portion of their drone operational needs, while Ukraine is simultaneously advancing its own drone capabilities and collaborating with NATO and the U.S.