Air defense systems down drones over two separate Russian regions
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Anti-air batteries in Russia have downed a Ukrainian drone over Kursk and another over Belgorod.
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A Ukrainian attack drone, "Punisher", flies during a test flight in Kiev, Ukraine, August 11, 2023. (AFP)
Russian air defense systems brought down a Ukrainian drone in the Russian oblast of Kursk, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday.
The ministry clarified that the failed attack led to no casualties or material damage.
"An attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack by an aircraft-type UAV on objects on the territory of the Russian Federation has been thwarted. Russian air defense systems detected and destroyed the Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle over the territory of the Kursk Region. There are no casualties or damage," the ministry explained.
The drone was destroyed at around 11:30 local time (08:30 GMT), while another drone was shot down earlier in the day over Belgorod, Russia.
"Today, at about 4 a.m. [01:00 GMT on Sunday], an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using one aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicle [UAV] on objects on the territory of the Russian Federation was thwarted. Russian air defense systems detected and destroyed the unmanned aerial vehicle over the territory of the Belgorod region," the ministry said, adding that no casualties or damages were reported.
Read more: Russian MoD says its troops repel five attempted Ukrainian offensives
Earlier today, Germany announced it would supply Ukraine with Luna NG aerial reconnaissance drones before the end of the year, German newspaper Bild reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
According to the newspaper, the deliveries will be carried out on a government contract by the German defense corporation Rheinmetall. Ground control centers for drones, catapult launchers, and military trucks will also be included in the deal.
Luna NG, which stands for a new generation, is an advanced military system capable of not only conducting surveillance but also maintaining the LTE network and intercepting or jamming enemy communications, according to the source.
The drone can fly up to 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) in altitude and has a reconnaissance range of several hundred kilometers. According to the news outlet, future versions of the drone will be able to carry weapons; however, the units that will be supplied to Ukraine lack this capability.
Read more: Germany to give Kiev UAVs for aerial reconnaissance
