In a significant development, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) made their first-ever drone attack on Russian territory using the Spanish drone, Columba. This incident has raised concerns and prompted discussions about the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
According to reports from the Telegram channel Shot, a local resident of Pasovo, in the Zadneprovsky district of Smolensk, discovered the explosive-laden drone near his property on Frunze Street. He immediately alerted the police, who later found a similar device in a neighboring forest.
Experts who arrived at the scene identified the drone as a Columba-type unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), capable of carrying a cumulative charge of KZ-6 and approximately 1.2 kg of C-4 explosives. This marks the first time that the UAF has used this type of drone to launch an attack on Russian territory.
Fortunately, there were no casualties or significant damage reported as a result of the incident.
The Columba drones are manufactured by the Spanish company Spaitech and are primarily used for reconnaissance purposes. However, it appears that the UAF has modified them for offensive capabilities. These drones have a flight range of 120 km and can carry payloads of up to seven kilograms.
This incident comes in the wake of growing concerns about the Russian drone, S-70B “Okhotnik,” which has been causing alarm in the United States.
In a separate development, it has been revealed that Russia will employ artificial intelligence to detect and intercept drones and birds in its airports. This move is aimed at enhancing security measures and preventing potential threats.
The use of drones in military operations continues to be a topic of discussion and raises questions about the implications for regional and global security. As tensions between Ukraine and Russia persist, the international community closely monitors the situation, aware of the potential consequences that such incidents may have on the broader geopolitical landscape.
