Sych drones of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine attack Russian oil depots

5 January, 2025 Damage to the tanks of a Russian oil depot. Photo credits: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. Crews of Sych reconnaissance and strike drones of the Partyzan group of the 9th Department of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine demonstrated strikes on important Russian targets.

The press service of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine published the video of the incident. The footage released by the intelligence officers captures bombing attacks on various enemy targets, including an oil depot. It is also stated that Sych drones have been used to hit enemy control centers, places of concentration and accommodation of military personnel, communication and surveillance equipment, vehicles, and power substations.

Sych drone

Almost nothing has been reported about the Sych drone or its manufacturer. According to intelligence officials, the drone has reconnaissance and strike capabilities: Sych drone can carry up to four kilograms of ammunition - two kilograms on each side of the wing. The drone is equipped with additional protection against electronic warfare and can operate within a radius of up to 150 kilometers in reconnaissance mode and up to 100 kilometers in strike mode.

Sych drones for Ukrainian intelligence officers.

September 2024. Photo credits: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

In July 2023, the Come Back Alive Foundation transferred the domestic Sych unmanned reconnaissance aerial system to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. The system was purchased for UAH 1,950,000.

The Sych UAV consists of the following components: two reconnaissance drones, catapults, and a mobile control post. In November 2024, Militarnyi reported that the KOLO Charity Foundation had transferred 12 drones worth UAH 12 million to the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Sych drones for Ukrainian intelligence. September 2024.

Photo credits: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

Combat operation of drones of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

On December 31, it was reported that the Ukrainian Defense Forces, for the first time in the world, destroyed an air target using a naval drone. The combat operation was conducted on December 31 by the DIU's Group 13 special forces unit. R-73 air-to-air missiles shot down the Russian Mi-8 helicopter.

The missile is propelled by a solid propellant engine, and active maneuvering is provided by the spoilers of the gas-dynamic control system.