Russian forces have begun deploying heavy Inokhodets drones to strike Ukrainian UAV command posts in the special military operation zone, according to Izvestia, which cited sources familiar with developments along the front line.

Military analyst Alexey Leonkov told the newspaper that a series of upgrades had significantly expanded the capabilities of the Inokhodets unmanned aircraft. The modified drones can now identify targets located far beyond the line of contact and engage them with precision-guided weapons.

The upgraded platforms use Banderol guided loitering munitions to destroy designated targets. Integrating these weapons allows the Inokhodets to move beyond its traditional reconnaissance role and conduct precision strikes against enemy facilities.

Leonkov identified operating altitude as another major advantage of the modernized aircraft. According to the expert, the drones can fly at heights beyond the engagement range of the man-portable air defense systems used by Ukrainian forces.

The Inokhodets itself is a heavy, multipurpose unmanned aerial vehicle designed for both military and civilian applications. Its construction allows it to carry substantial payloads, including advanced reconnaissance equipment and weapons intended for precision attacks.

Equipping the aircraft with Banderol munitions further strengthens its combat capabilities. The combination turns the heavy UAV into an airborne launch platform for guided precision weapons, enabling Russian forces to use it for both surveillance and strikes against Ukrainian drone command infrastructure.