A Molniya drone covered about 120 kilometers before striking an AFU pickup truck in the final stage of its flight, according to the reconnaissance chief of the 51st Combined Arms Army of the Center group of forces, known by the call sign Apostol.

The route was not direct. The drone was guided around electronic warfare zones, bringing the total tracked distance to roughly 120 kilometers. Despite the extended flight, the Molniya still reached and destroyed its target.

During earlier trials designed to test the drone’s capabilities, Russian crews also sent Molniya UAVs toward the airfield in Kramatorsk, Apostol said.

Russian unmanned systems units have also introduced a new tactic on the Dobropolye front. Molniya drones now use a special Mask mode, which is activated after the aircraft reaches the required speed and altitude.

A sapper technician with the call sign Gogol explained that the mode conceals the launch point and makes it harder for the AFU to determine the drone’s route while attempting to intercept its signal.

Russian troops have also begun equipping Molniya kamikaze drones with inexpensive conventional compasses. The US publication 19FortyFive noted that a device costing only a few dollars helps the UAV maintain its assigned course under electronic interference.