Ukraine hits deep Russian drone base

Ukrainian forces struck a Russian drone facility in Berdiansk on November 7.

The target was the base of the Rubicon unit, a drone center described by the General Staff as one of Russia's most combat-capable. The facility sits in the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, approximately 107 km from the line of contact. Video released by the Defence Forces of the South and Operational Command Pivden shows more than ten impacts on various structures at the site. The attack used a combined approach involving drones. The General Staff confirmed the strike hit the unit's temporary deployment site and its ground control station.

The operation involved multiple military branches working together. UAV battery units from the Harpy Group within the Defence Forces of the South participated. The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine and Special Group Alpha of the Security Service of Ukraine also took part. The 412th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment contributed to the effort. The military stated that the attack resulted in the loss of trained experts who handled operator training and experience transfer.

The unit involved in the operation posted a caption claiming the strike proves there is no longer a safe rear area for Russian occupiers. It asserted that Ukrainian defence forces can detect and strike enemy assets far from the front line. The caption noted that the units acted in a coordinated manner under a single plan.

This strike followed other recent operations by Ukrainian forces. On the night of November 8 and 9, Ukraine targeted the Morozov Plant in Leningrad Oblast. That facility produces solid-fuel charges for Iskander-M ballistic missile engines. The Rubicon base strike marks another deep incursion into occupied territory this month.