According to a source in Russian security agencies, Ukrainian forces use both remotely controlled and autonomous drones for strikes against Russian territory. Most of these aircraft, however, reportedly follow a pre-programmed route without direct operator involvement.

The source said Russian forces had noticed that some medium- and large-sized drones begin maneuvering once they come under fire. This behavior, he suggested, may indicate that part of the drone fleet operates autonomously along a preset route toward a designated endpoint.

Manual control is reportedly reserved for a smaller share of UAVs assigned to higher-priority targets. In such cases, an operator can monitor the situation and alter the flight path, including when the drone comes under fire from the ground.

Military analysts say many Ukrainian medium- and large-sized UAVs are equipped with inertial navigation systems and satellite positioning. This allows them to maintain their programmed course even under active electronic warfare interference.

Analysts also point to the behavior of some drones after they are detected by air defense systems. Once fired upon or subjected to electronic warfare measures, certain UAVs reportedly begin evasive maneuvers, which may indicate the use of built-in algorithms designed to avoid interception.