Russian Kamikaze Drone Uses NVIDIA, Intel, Sony Electronics: Ukraine
Ukraine has identified foreign-made components in a Russian loitering munition recently deployed to attack the northeastern city of Sumy.
Presented by the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Defence Intelligence, the report involves the V2U, which conducts real-time image recognition and autonomous target acquisition with minimal human intervention.
The drone incorporates the American-made NVIDIA Jetson Orin, which supports high-powered AI processing, the Intel AC 8265 for dual-band wireless network connection, and a light-sensitive sensor for high-resolution format imaging produced by Japanese company Sony.
The agency reported that the V2U loitering munition consists predominantly of parts manufactured in China, although some devices bear Russian markings.
Other elements retrieved from the drone are an Irish electromagnetic relay, a Swiss microcontroller, and a Taiwanese motion controller.
The V2U Drone
The V2U has a wingspan of 1.2 meters (3.9 feet), a battery capacity of 34 ampere-hours, and an undisclosed type of electric motor.
It has a flight time of up to one hour, can carry about 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of payload, and has a top speed of 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour.
The drone typically carries a mix of high-explosives, penetrating munitions, and fragmentation effects, according to multiple sources.
Situation in Sumy
Ukraine’s V2U report was issued after President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged that Russian forces are intentionally targeting civilian populations in Sumy, which borders Russian territory.
In May, Kyiv ordered the evacuation of more villages in the region amid concerns that Russia would implement a heavy ground assault.
The city of Sumy has seen multiple air strikes, most with drones, since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his so-called “military operation” on Ukraine in 2022.
Negotiations backed by international allies to end the conflict in the eastern NATO flank are ongoing.
