Australian-manufactured cardboard drones have allegedly been employed in an assault on a Russian airfield, as the Ukrainian military intensifies its operations within Russian borders.

Reports indicate that Ukraine targeted the Kursk airfield in Russia, about 170 kilometers from the Ukrainian-Russian border, over the weekend. The attack involved kamikaze-style drone strikes that purportedly hit five Russian fighter jets. Notably, these drones were identified as distinctive lightweight models created by the Australian engineering firm Sypaq, based in Melbourne, according to a prominent Telegram channel managed by a former Russian fighter pilot known as Fighterbomber.

The Telegram post detailed the utilization of these drones in a coordinated manner, combining drones with warheads and empty drones. The post speculated about the propulsion systems of the drones, suggesting that if they were electric-powered, they may not have been launched from Ukraine.

Sypaq’s drone technology, constructed from waxed cardboard and rubber, was provided to Ukraine in the form of flat packs as part of a US$33 million donation of unmanned aerial systems announced by the Australian federal government. While initially intended to enhance Ukraine’s battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, it appears these drones have also been employed for offensive purposes.

Capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 5 kilograms, these drones were used to target the Kursk airfield, which Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, justified as a “legitimate target” due to its alleged use by Russia for launching military operations and missiles into Ukraine.

Former Australian general Mick Ryan expressed support for Australian technology contributing to Ukraine’s defense, emphasizing that the usage of the technology was at Ukraine’s discretion. He suggested that these lightweight drones could be easily adapted to carry munitions and exploit Russia’s air defense systems.

Reports from the Security Service of Ukraine indicated that a swarm of drones struck several aircraft and military assets at the Kursk airfield, inflicting damage and casualties. While the attack was largely successful, a few of the drones were reportedly downed by Russia’s air defense.

Sypaq declined to comment on the specific role of their drones within the Ukrainian armed forces. Pro-Putin social media accounts had previously alleged that these drones, outfitted with explosives, had crashed within Russian territory.

A Sypaq spokesperson expressed pride in supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces, characterizing the drones as an Australian asset to aid Ukraine in defending itself. The Australian Department of Defence asserted that all exports of equipment adhered to export control legislation and international obligations, including considerations of humanitarian law.

Media reports from Russia indicated a significant number of suspected drone attacks in both Russian and Ukrainian territories under Russian control this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintained that attacks on Russian territory were a natural and just process while refraining from claiming responsibility for specific drone strikes.

Source: with agencies