Saturday, February 1, 2025

Molniya (“Lightning”) - Russia’s New Medium-Range Drone

 


The Molniya can be quickly field-assembled and is made of cheap, light materials. It is catapult-launched, with 1-2 electric motors, 40 min flight time, 30-40km range, speed 80kph, and a 3-5 kg payload. It has poor aerodynamics, a wobbling flight pattern, and is not very accurate or maneuverable. 

The molniya is manually flown to the target by the operator. It can pass through zones of electronic warfare by gliding forward blindly until connection with the operator is re-established. It uses a shaped charge designed to penetrate metal and concrete.  

This newer Russian drone has seen increased use over the past few months, with confirmed attacks in Kharkiv city this week.

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