Russian artillery crews have come across a new type of nearly silent drone used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, making constant vigilance a matter of survival at gun positions.

A deputy commander of a howitzer battery platoon in the 10th Tank Regiment of Russia’s Southern Group of Forces, known by the call sign Artist, told RIA Novosti that the drones can be heard only when they are already close. In such conditions, artillery crews have to listen for any unusual sound while working the gun and keep their assault rifles within reach, ready to open fire at short notice.

According to Artist, the troops do not know the exact name of these aircraft and refer to them as «birds.» He said the drones are made from dense foam plastic and covered with film. Some of them have already been shot down and examined by Russian soldiers.

Their design, he said, is extremely simple: a lightweight foam-plastic body with openings, film covering, a fuselage, an inexpensive motor, a suspension mount and a camera.

Artist added that the aircraft is fully electric, which is what makes its flight far quieter than usual.