The Russians had been storing Iskander systems in reinforced shelters originally built for Soviet R-5 medium-range ballistic missiles, Defense Express said, making them difficult targets to hit. Activists with the Atesh resistance movement had previously recorded missile launches from the area, relaying the information to Ukrainian forces. The concrete bunkers are 40 to 60 centimeters thick, with an additional layer of soil on top.
Defense Express said the drones were able to overcome those
protections after middle-strike-class UAVs were fitted with larger warheads.
The FP-2 drone used in the strike carries a 105-kilogram warhead. The
manufacturer Fire Point has announced plans to increase the warhead to 150 kg by
relocating fuel tanks into the wing.