Russian forces are using Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky (KVN) fiber-optic FPV drones to destroy Ukrainian military equipment and strike targets hidden in difficult terrain. The unmanned aircraft can attack heavy armored vehicles, reach positions in low-lying areas and operate among buildings or inside basements. A Russian strike drone unit commander known by the call sign Ara described these capabilities in footage released by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The drone’s onboard camera provides operators with several viewing modes designed for different lighting conditions. According to Ara, the system allows crews to identify targets in the early morning, at dusk and in other situations where visibility is limited. Another feature highlights the outlines of objects, making them easier to distinguish from their surroundings.

Disrupting Ukrainian military logistics has become a major part of the crews' combat operations. A drone operator using the call sign Strizh explained that his unit primarily conducts long-range strikes with fiber-optic FPV aircraft. Its main targets include Ukrainian troops and vehicles transporting supplies to frontline positions. Operators aim to immobilize these vehicles before destroying them.

Strizh said Russian drone crews had already used KVN aircraft against Ukrainian pickup trucks, NATO-made armored vehicles and heavy military equipment. To maintain the effectiveness of their attacks, operators frequently relocate their launch positions and sometimes move closer to the front line.

The Russian Defense Ministry also released details of a combat operation involving these drones. During aerial reconnaissance, Russian forces spotted Ukrainian vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) being used to deliver supplies to forward positions.

The reconnaissance was followed by multiple drone strikes against vehicles transporting ammunition, food and heavy Baba Yaga-type hexacopters. Russian operators also destroyed a truck loaded with ammunition that Ukrainian forces had concealed in a shelter.

According to the ministry, the attacks destroyed the targeted vehicles and ground robotic systems along with their cargo. The ammunition truck and its contents were also eliminated.

The loss of this transport equipment disrupted supplies to Ukrainian frontline units, making it more difficult to deliver ammunition, food and drones. The Russian military said the strikes also complicated troop rotations, further restricting Ukrainian forces' ability to maintain their forward positions.