Ukraine Discovers Russian Drone Using Mobile Internet for Control

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR) has reported the discovery of a previously unidentified Russian drone that relies on mobile Internet networks for control.

According to GUR’s Directorate for the Detection of Foreign Components in Russian Products, the drone is actively used in different roles, including reconnaissance, strike missions, and as a false target to overload air defense systems.

The captured sample is equipped with a camera and two LTE modems, enabling real-time or recorded video transmission through mobile base stations and allowing operators to adjust its flight path. In strike configuration, the drone functions as a long-range FPV system, guided directly by the operator to selected targets.

The design follows a “delta-wing” layout similar to the Shahed-131, but it is fitted with a Chinese-made DLE engine from Mile Haoxiang Technology. GUR specialists noted similarities with the ITALMAS drone developed by Russia’s Zala Group.

Most of the components originate from Chinese manufacturers, but parts from the United States, Japan, Switzerland, and Taiwan were also identified.

The drone recovered by Ukrainian intelligence, marked with serial number MS001, features an NVIDIA Jetson Orin high-speed minicomputer designed for artificial intelligence and video processing. It also carries an infrared camera, reportedly similar to models previously announced by Russia. The module enables automated target recognition and guidance, while also supporting reconnaissance functions.

This discovery follows Ukraine’s earlier findings in June 2025, when intelligence specialists obtained an Iranian Shahed-136 drone with thermal imaging guidance. Analysis at the time suggested joint development efforts between Russia and Iran to modernize Shahed systems.