The 422nd Separate Drone Regiment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has successfully disrupted Russian drone operations in the Zaporizhzhia region using the “Zozulia” kamikaze drones. This development was reported by the regiment’s commander, Mykola Kolesnyk, during an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Kolesnyk stated that the regiment’s mid-range strike drones targeted and destroyed Russian MESH networks, which are crucial for the operation of Iranian-made Shahed drones. By incapacitating these networks, the Ukrainian forces have significantly reduced the frequency of Shahed attacks on Zaporizhzhia.
The MESH networks facilitate data exchange among Shahed drones, enhancing their resilience against electronic warfare. Kolesnyk emphasized the importance of severing this communication link, which hampers the drones’ operational capabilities, including video transmission and control. He noted that the impact of these operations can be quantified, leading to a substantial decrease in targeted attacks in the affected areas.
According to Kolesnyk, the regiment’s efforts have allowed them to maintain control over the Zaporizhzhia region. They have also managed to bypass Russian air defense systems in occupied Crimea, successfully targeting energy infrastructure in the towns of Dzhankoy, Krasnoperekopsk, and Armyansk.
The “Zozulia” drone has a range of up to 500 kilometers and can carry a payload of up to 50 kilograms. It measures 3.5 meters in length and has a wingspan of nearly six meters, with a cruising speed of 130 kilometers per hour. The drone is designed to operate under various weather conditions, including rain and snow, and can function in temperatures as low as -27 degrees Celsius, with a flight endurance of up to nine hours.
The 422nd Separate Drone Regiment plans to scale its operations and share its strategies with other units to enhance their effectiveness in ongoing military engagements.
The 422nd Separate Drone Regiment of Ukraine has effectively disrupted Russian drone operations in Zaporizhzhia by targeting critical communication networks. This strategy has led to a marked decrease in drone attacks, allowing Ukrainian forces to maintain control in the region.
Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty