Russian Engineers Analyze Optics of Captured NATO Recon Drone
Russian specialists dismantle a captured NATO recon drone from Latvia and study its advanced optical system, revealing costly components from multiple Western countries.
Russian engineers are examining the optical system of a NATO-grade reconnaissance drone shot down near Chasov Yar, developer Andrey Ivanov told RIA Novosti. Ivanov, who leads the team behind the domestic «Ovod» UAV line, said the captured aircraft was handed over to him by the military and was fully dismantled in the lab.
He previously noted that the drone was assembled entirely from NATO-supplied components, delivered to Ukraine from Latvia and tested near the Latvian city of Jelgava.
During a demonstration for journalists, Ivanov presented the drone’s fuselage, electronic modules and engine. He highlighted the onboard observation system, saying the optical equipment made a strong impression on the specialists and is already being used in experimental work. According to him, the team removed the entire optical assembly for further study.
Ivanov also emphasized the high cost of the aircraft, explaining that its construction relied exclusively on components from NATO countries — with parts originating from the United States, France, Germany and the Baltic states.