Upyr Drone Manufacturer Targeted in Explosion in Russia

A Russian manufacturer of Upyr FPV drones and the author of the “Obsessed With War” propaganda Telegram channel was targeted in an explosion in Russia.

The Russian media outlet Mash reported the incident and published photos from the scene.

According to available information, the target was Vladimir Tkachuk, director of Uraldronzavod, a company that manufactures Upyr strike drones.

According to local Telegram channels, the explosion occurred on the evening of August 4 in the locality of Bolshoy Istok near Yekaterinburg.

An explosive device had been placed under a Mercedes-Benz parked near a residential building. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the blast.

The driver/security guard was killed at the scene. Tkachuk was hospitalized in critical condition.

Upyr Drone

The Upyr FPV drone is designed to strike equipment and personnel. It was first presented in Russia in 2023, and serial production was later established at Uraldronzavod. The manufacturing process makes extensive use of 3D printing, including for the drone’s plastic body, antennas, camera, and other small components.

Russian forces actively use the drone on the battlefield with various types of warheads, including shaped-charge and high-explosive fragmentation warheads.

Upyr can also be used as a relay drone to extend the range of Russian strike UAVs.

The drone receives a signal from a control station and relays it to another strike drone. It also receives video from the strike drone’s camera via the return link and transmits it to the operator’s control station.

This method of employing drones requires several crews to maintain the radio link and occupies several frequencies, but it also enables strikes against targets in the enemy’s rear.

The Russian military receives Upyr FPV drones funded by private donations and fundraising campaigns organized by groups supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.