UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Aug 29 — In the Kharkiv direction, near Vovchansk, the Russian military actively uses handmade FPV drones known as “kukuruznyky” [corn growers , reported the “Gart” brigade of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

Russia started its new offensive north and northeast in the Kharkiv region in May, but Ukrainian troops have stabilized the frontline in this section since. Now, heavy battles are ongoing in and around Vovchansk (three miles from the border, 46 miles away from Kharkiv) and near Lyptsi (six miles from the border, 12 miles from Kharkiv.)

The military notes that these  drones are made of foam, adhesive film, plywood, and aluminum pipes. Their advantage is their minimal size and lightweight. 

These drones have a long range and high aerodynamic efficiency because they are equipped with FPV semiconductor systems. They can fly 6-9 miles from the border and reach the same distance or further.

“These drones are almost silent, so they are difficult to spot until they descend. Their vulnerable point is the wings, but even with one damaged wing, they can fly. Their lightness and ease of assembly make them dangerous,” the military said. 

These drones threaten the Ukrainian military because of their unpredictability and potential danger, “Gart” reports.

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