08:00 11-04-2026

New Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Border Regions

New Ukrainian drones “Marsianin-2” and Hornet are used in strikes on Russian border areas, posing challenges for detection and electronic warfare systems.

Ukrainian forces have begun using new types of drones-known as «Marsianin-2» and Hornet-to strike border areas inside Russia, according to specialists working with electronic warfare systems and UAVs.

Experts familiar with these technologies describe the drones as a serious threat, particularly to rear areas. They report that the aircraft can operate both in daylight and at dusk, remaining nearly inaudible until the final approach. In their assessment, the drones are difficult to detect and show resilience against electronic warfare systems.

Intercepting them with small arms is also considered highly challenging. Specialists note that a successful hit would require precise targeting of critical components such as the warhead, control system, or battery. These UAVs have reportedly been spotted not only near active combat zones but also in border areas of the Belgorod region.

Military expert Yuri Knutov points to the drone’s high speed-up to 300 km/h-as one of its defining features. He also suggests that elements of artificial intelligence may be involved in its control, contributing to its low visibility for detection systems and electronic countermeasures.

According to Knutov, the development of the «Marsianin-2» drone is not rooted in Ukraine’s own scientific base. He argues that it emerged after Ukrainian specialists studied debris from Russian Lancet drones, identifying key components such as control system boards and microchips. With further modifications and the use of Western-supplied elements, this analysis ultimately led to the creation of the new UAV.