V2U Drone: Foreign-Made Components Targeting Ukraine
Ukraine’s defense officials have uncovered that foreign-made components are used in a Russian loitering munition recently deployed against the northeastern city of Sumy. The findings were presented by the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Defence Intelligence, which highlighted the V2U model. This drone is notable for its ability to perform real-time image recognition and autonomously acquire targets with minimal human input.
Among the advanced technologies integrated into the V2U is the American-made NVIDIA Jetson Orin, renowned for its high-powered AI processing capabilities. Additionally, the drone utilizes the Intel AC 8265 chip, which facilitates dual-band wireless networking, as well as a light-sensitive sensor manufactured by Sony, ensuring high-resolution imagery during operations.
Components and Specifications of the V2U
The V2U loitering munition predominantly comprises components manufactured in China, although it also features devices that bear Russian markings. Among the diverse array of parts retrieved from the drone, an Irish electromagnetic relay, a Swiss microcontroller, and a Taiwanese motion controller stand out, demonstrating the intricate international supply chains involved.
With a wingspan of 1.2 meters (approximately 3.9 feet) and a battery capacity of 34 ampere-hours, the V2U has not disclosed its type of electric motor. It boasts a flight duration of up to one hour and can carry a payload of around 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds), achieving impressive speeds of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour. Reports indicate that this drone typically carries a combination of high-explosives, penetrating munitions, and fragmentation devices.
Escalating Conflict in Sumy
The recent discoveries regarding the V2U drone coincided with serious allegations from President Volodymyr Zelensky, who accused Russian forces of deliberately targeting civilian populations in Sumy, a region bordering Russia. The escalating violence prompted the Ukrainian government to order the evacuation of additional villages in May, amid fears of a significant ground assault from Russia.
Since the onset of hostilities, the city of Sumy has endured numerous airstrikes, primarily executed with drones, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a “military operation” in Ukraine back in 2022. Meanwhile, negotiations supported by international allies continue in efforts to reach a peace settlement in the region, as the conflict rages on.
