Ukraine's 412th Nemesis Brigade is using a new mid-range, fixed-wing drone called the Morrigan to attack the R-280 'Novorossiya' logistics highway, located 50 to 75 miles behind the front lines. The drone strikes target supply and fuel convoys, aiming to disrupt Russian logistics.
Ukraine has deployed a new mid-range drone, the Morrigan, to target Russian logistics routes far behind the front lines. The 412th Nemesis Brigade, part of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, revealed details and footage of the locally produced, fixed-wing drone. The Morrigan, described as a 'secret weapon,' is approximately 4 to 5 feet long and is launched without a runway. Its primary target has been the R-280 'Novorossiya' highway, a critical 370-mile route running from Rostov-on-Don to Crimea through occupied Ukrainian territory. This highway is typically situated 50 to 75 miles from the front lines. The brigade stated the drone has also been used in Crimea to destroy Russian air defense and support targets. The attacks on the R-280, which include supply and fuel convoys, aim to force Russia to pull back its supply lines from areas previously considered safe. Russian-backed officials have acknowledged intensified Ukrainian attacks on the highway since mid-May and are reportedly working on alternative routes. Russian state media has highlighted multiple attacks on the R-280 last week, and a portion of the highway was temporarily closed to non-essential civilian traffic.
Ukraine's development and deployment of longer-range drones capable of striking deep behind enemy lines demonstrates an evolving capability to degrade Russian logistics and operational capacity, potentially impacting the sustainability of its military operations in occupied territories.