British drones used in Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russia for first time, says report

Key Points:

• Ukrainian forces have used British-made drones to conduct attacks deep inside Russia, targeting oil refineries, logistics hubs, transport infrastructure, and sites belonging to Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
• The drones include the Wiltshire-built Nyan drone by BAE Systems subsidiary Callen-Lenz, capable of flying over 150 miles, and a second unnamed British drone with a range exceeding 600 miles that can be launched rapidly via catapult systems.
• These drone attacks have inflicted substantial damage on Moscow’s economy and signal a shift in UK defense posture, with officials indicating the UK is no longer hesitant to support aggressive actions against Russia.
• The UK has also provided Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, though their finite supply and limited range underscore the importance of drone warfare in Ukraine’s military strategy.
• Separately, British-made components have been found in Russian drones, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to call for stricter sanctions on UK companies supplying parts to Russia.