Key facts
- Ukrainian forces used a StarGate drone for aerial evacuations of two wounded soldiers.
- A Russian drone strike on a Kharkiv park on Oct. 19 resulted in six deaths, including three children.
- Ukraine struck the Energia plant in Yelets, Russia, which produces batteries for glide bombs and missiles.
- Russia is significantly expanding its glide-bomb production, with enough components for 139,000 munitions planned for 2025.
- Russia's Digital Development Ministry proposed underground data centers following Ukrainian drone attacks.
Ukrainian forces conducted two aerial evacuations of wounded soldiers using a domestically developed drone called StarGate, the 475th Separate Assault Regiment reported on Oct. 26. The operations involved rescuing soldiers with severe limb injuries from a contested area near the Russian border, overcoming challenges posed by terrain and the threat of Russian drones. The missions required coordination with multiple units and fire support from Vampire attack drones.
Separately, the death toll from a Russian drone strike on a park in Kharkiv Oblast on Oct. 19 rose to six, including three children, after a 12-year-old boy died in hospital. The attack occurred when families were present in the park, injuring at least 15 people, including seven children.
Ukraine also struck the Energia plant in Yelets, Russia, on Oct. 26, causing a fire. Ukraine's General Staff stated the plant is the sole Russian manufacturer of batteries for glide bomb guidance modules and also produces batteries for Iskander-M ballistic missile systems and sea-based cruise missiles.
A report by the Center for Defense Reforms indicates Russia is significantly expanding its glide-bomb production, with plans for 139,000 munitions in 2025, relying on components from various countries, including China. The report identifies CED Sail LLC as a key supplier of servo drives not currently under Western sanctions.
Following several Ukrainian drone attacks, Russia's Digital Development Ministry has proposed building underground data centers with drone defenses, according to Russian media.