15:44 09-10-2025

First Use of Microdrones in Russia’s Special Operation

Russian troops have captured a combat microdrone under 10 cm long — the first of its kind used by the enemy in the special operation zone.

A Russian soldier has posted footage online showing a tiny strike microdrone captured in the zone of the special operation — the first recorded case, according to Russian sources.

A combat commander using the call-sign «Аскет» told media that Russian troops found and neutralized the device, which measured under ten centimetres in length. What was at first believed to be a reconnaissance UAV turned out, after the shell was opened, to contain an explosive charge.

«Аскет» described the device as almost silent in operation and, at short range, visually hard to spot; he added that it is difficult to hit with small-arms fire. At the same time, he pointed to the drone’s small battery as a limiting factor that severely restricts its operational radius.

The commander assessed that such a microdrone is unlikely to inflict significant damage on vehicles or heavy equipment; its primary purpose, he said, appears to be striking personnel at close quarters. He argued that at those distances conventional sniper rifles remain a more practical and reliable means of engaging enemy fighters.

«Аскет» also warned that the enemy could deploy swarms of similar devices, which would multiply the threat. He singled out civilian facilities without radio-electronic countermeasure systems as particularly vulnerable and urged strengthening site protection and upgrading electronic-warfare suppression — including folding those systems into local security perimeters. Russian media cited the commander’s statements.