Russian forces have adapted the Molniya drone for aerial reconnaissance. The upgraded UAVs are capable of monitoring Ukrainian Armed Forces positions, humanitarian corridors, and civilian routes in order to enable more precise strikes on Ukraine’s rear areas.
The war in Ukraine continues to serve as an environment where innovations are rapidly tested and deployed in combat, enabled by Russia's ability to bypass sanctions.
This was reported on 22 December by the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence in the “Components in Weapons” section of the War&Sanctions portal, which published an interactive diagram detailing the structure and electronic components of the Russian Molniya‑2R unmanned aerial vehicle.
The War & Sanctions portal includes details on sponsors and supporters of Russia's aggression.
From FPV kamikaze to reconnaissance drone
Previously, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence reported that Russia was using the Molniya as a fixed‑wing FPV kamikaze drone launched from a special catapult and guided directly by an operator.
Later, Russian forces introduced the Molniya‑2 variant, featuring two wing‑mounted engines, a redesigned fuselage, extended range, and an enhanced warhead.
A new version, named the Molniya-2R, has now been identified, which is specifically used for aerial reconnaissance and strike adjustment.
Western technology and sanctions evasion
To perform reconnaissance tasks, Russian developers integrated a British Raspberry Pi 5 microcomputer, as well as a Chinese Mini PC F8, rebranded under the Russian label Raskat (LLC “Novyi IT Proekt”), which runs a licensed Windows 11 operating system.
This once again highlights Russia’s systematic circumvention of international sanctions in the high‑tech sector.
In addition to a forward-facing FPV camera, the Molniya‑2R is equipped with a Chinese SIYI ZR10 camera, featuring a 10× optical zoom and three-axis stabilization, which significantly expands its surveillance and targeting capabilities.
Starlink, night vision, and up to 10 kg of explosives
For transmitting video from both cameras, telemetry data, and control commands, the drone is fitted with a Starlink satellite terminal.
In November 2025, Russian forces used Molniya drones with night‑vision cameras for the first time during an attack on Zaporizhzhia.
According to Militarnyi analyst Vadym Kushnikov, these drones have been in Russian service since last summer, with a major modernization carried out in June of this year.
The Molniya drone has a range of up to 40 kilometers and can carry up to 10 kilograms of explosives, making it a dangerous tool both for reconnaissance and for strikes against civilian and military infrastructure.
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