Some models of airplanes can cover a distance of up to 3,000 kilometers, says an expert at the National Defense University.
On Wednesday, the Russian media reported that Ukraine had attempted an aerial attack on the Murmansk region.
Even Finland was involved in the news coverage. The defense forces denied any involvement of Finland in the alleged attacks. Also the Kremlin and Russian diplomats have questioned claims of a drone attack.
The shortest distance from Ukraine to Murmansk is about 1,500 kilometers. However, Ukrainian sources are claimed to have struck to the area’s Olenja air base in August.
How would such attacks be possible?
Senior research teacher at the National Defense University, captain Jan Joutsi answered ‘s questions.
Does Ukraine have airplanes that could cover the almost 2,000 km distance from Ukraine to Murmansk?
– Such drones are technically possible. Airplanes with a range of 2,000–3,400 kilometers have been built around the world.
What are these airplanes like?
– Fixed-wing, internal combustion engine-equipped drones, which are also referred to as unmanned attack aircraft, are capable of such a long journey. However, the range requires more fuel, which is not included in the rest of the payload.
The payload can be, for example, an explosive carried by an airplane.
Can such a large airplane fly in Russian airspace to Murmansk without being noticed?
– The detection of a flying object is significantly affected by the altitude: the lower the object flies, the harder it is for the sensors placed on the ground to detect it. This is due, among other things, to the curvature of the earth, the shape of the terrain and buildings.
– A really dense network of certain types of sensors is needed to detect low-flying drones that are smaller than typical targets.
Could Ukrainian groups move secretly into the territory of Russia or its neighboring countries with large drones and launch them closer to the targets?
– The vast majority of technical systems can be taken apart and reassembled later. Thus, it would be possible to transport even reasonably large airplanes in parts.
Could Ukraine launch airplanes to Murmansk from sea areas, for example from a ship sailing in the Arctic Ocean?
– Airplanes can be launched from several different platforms. For example, commercial defense industry operators offer solutions where a fixed-wing aircraft can take off vertically from a very small area. Launching such from ships or even boats is technically possible.