Military expert Yuri Knutov said the design of the British-made Nyan drone gives it a low visual and infrared signature, although Russian Pantsir air-defense systems are still capable of detecting and destroying such targets.

According to Knutov, man-portable air-defense systems may prove less effective against the Nyan. The drone is powered by a turbojet engine, but a specially designed slit-shaped nozzle reduces its heat signature, making the aircraft harder to detect with infrared sensors.

Knutov also argued that direct British involvement in strikes on Russian territory would, in his view, give Russia grounds to target the facility where the drones are manufactured.

The Nyan was developed by Callen-Lenz, a company within the structure of British defense group BAE Systems. The drone has a wingspan of about three meters and is estimated to cost around $132,000 per unit. It is launched from a catapult.

Another key feature is its autonomous navigation system. Knutov said the Nyan does not rely on GPS or external control channels, instead following a pre-programmed route using digital maps. That makes it difficult to disrupt with conventional electronic warfare systems.

He also suggested that the drone may have undergone further modifications. In particular, Knutov did not rule out the possibility that a second engine had been added, potentially increasing both speed and flight range.

Earlier, The Times reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had begun using British-made drones for strikes deep inside Russian territory. The Nyan, produced by Callen-Lenz, was among the models mentioned.