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Inside Ukrainian UJ-26 Bober drone used to target Moscow

Nation

26 June, 09:00 AM

Ukraine uses long-range drones - Bober (Beaver), Liutyi, Palianytsia, and Morok as part of its campaign of medium- and long-range strikes against Russian territory, former tennis player and SBU Special Operations Center "A" commando Serhii Stakhovskyi told Ukrinform in June.

During the attack on the Moscow Oil Refinery on June 18, Ukraine used Liutyi, FP-1, Morok, and Bober drones, military blogger Mykhailo Zhyrokhov wrote.

UJ-26 Bober — main characteristics

The UJ-26 is a long-range kamikaze drone designed for pinpoint strikes on Russian strategic targets and airfields. Ukrainian Defense Forces use these drones for strikes on Moscow and its outskirts, as well as for operations in Crimea.

Kruk UAV operator training center reported that the drone's first "official public" use was recorded in May 2023 during an attack on Moscow. The Military Intelligence (HUR) noted that these drones were the first to launch deep strikes into Russian territory.

  • Manufacturer: Ukraine

  • In service since: 2023

  • Weight: 150 kg

  • Warhead weight: 20 kg

  • Speed: 120–200 km/h

  • Flight range: up to 1,000 km

  • Flight duration: 7 hours

  • Cost: $108,000

  • Length: 2.5 m

  • Wingspan: 2.5–3.5 m

Photo: visnyk-nanu.org.ua

The drone is built using a "canard" aerodynamic design, where the horizontal stabilizer is located in front of the wing. The drone was earlier equipped with landing gear and required a runway, but the modified version is launched from a catapult.

Bober is controlled by an operator in real-time, allowing it to hit moving targets or targets with unknown coordinates.

The drone also features a thermal imaging camera, as well as satellite and inertial navigation.

In 2025, Defense Express portal wrote that the Bober could be called an analog of the Russian-Iranian Shahed-136, as it operated on a similar principle. However, following modifications, the Bober can now be compared to the Russian Lancet or other loitering munitions.

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