Ukraine has reportedly deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) manufactured by two British companies to strike various targets within Russian territory over the past six months. Military sources, cited by The Times on August 16, indicated these attacks targeted oil refineries in Volgograd province and near Moscow, alongside several logistics centers. As of now, officials from Russia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom have not commented on these reports.

One of the aircraft reportedly used by Ukraine is the Nyan model, developed by Callen-Lenz, a BAE Systems company. This UAV features a 2.9-meter wingspan and an operational range of approximately 240 kilometers. BAE Systems announced that the Nyan UAV underwent its inaugural field tests this summer.

Callen-Lenz stated, "We supply various equipment to the UK Ministry of Defense as part of the support for Ukraine's defensive operations. The Nyan UAV is a rapidly developed platform that has proven effective in addressing emerging threats in areas of intense conflict."

The second UAV, with a range of approximately 965 kilometers, employs a launcher system enabling the rapid deployment of multiple aircraft. Its manufacturer remains undisclosed due to security concerns. A defense source suggested that Russia had been "very successful" in deterring Western support through its aggressive attacks. However, this source added, "These attacks by British-made UAVs indicate that London is sending a clear signal to Moscow and its allies that they are no longer apprehensive."

The Times reported that these Ukrainian attacks, utilizing British UAVs, have inflicted over 47 billion USD in damages on Russia. This follows a previous accusation in September 2024 by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who alleged Ukraine used UAVs with components manufactured by the British company Callen-Lenz in an attack on a fuel depot in Kamensky district, Rostov province.

A Nyan UAV on a launcher. Photo: Callen-Lenz

In April, the UK Ministry of Defense announced plans to supply Ukraine with 150,000 UAVs and drones, including long-range offensive capabilities and Stone Cloak electronic warfare systems designed to evade Russian air defenses. Separately, Russian officials reported on August 16 that Ukraine had launched its largest attack on Moscow in two years. Approximately 600 Ukrainian UAVs were reportedly directed towards the Russian capital, with 201 shot down in Moscow province airspace. There was no indication that any Ukrainian UAVs reached the airspace over Moscow city itself.

The attack resulted in one fatality and six injuries in Moscow province. Additionally, a warehouse belonging to the retail company Wildberries caught fire in Podolsk city, approximately 45 kilometers from Moscow.

By Nguyen Tien (The Times, AP, Reuters)