On December 2, 2024, Russian media accused Ukraine of deploying the advanced “Lord” long-range kamikaze drone in deep strikes on Russian positions, sharing images of the remains of one of these drones on social media. If verified, the deployment represents a significant leap in Ukraine’s military capabilities, reshaping the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
For some time now drone warfare has dominated the fight in Ukraine, with Ukrainian drone units now said to be responsible for 80 percent of Russian losses.
The “Lord” drone, reportedly developed by Swiss-based aerospace startup Destinus, combines long-range precision with multi-role adaptability. The drone is said to have a range between 750 km and over 2,000 km, enabling strikes far behind enemy lines.
The drone’s extended range makes it a potent addition to Ukraine’s arsenal, reducing reliance on long-range missiles which have required western authorisation to use.
The Lord drone’s alleged Swiss origins add a layer of complexity to the conflict. Developed by Destinus, a company founded by Mikhail Kokorich – a Russian dissident – its production raises questions about neutrality and arms supply restrictions. Switzerland’s strict neutrality laws prohibit arms exports to conflict zones. However, Destinus operates in multiple European countries, including Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands.
Russia has condemned the alleged deployment of the Lord drone, viewing it as a major escalation. The drone’s long range and radar-evading capabilities pose a serious threat to critical military and logistical hubs deep within Russian territory.
The timing is significant, as it follows Ukraine’s recent successes in targeting Russian S-400 air defense systems in Simferopol and Kursk Oblast. The Lord’s deployment signals Ukraine’s intent to target deeper into Russian defenses, exploiting vulnerabilities far from the frontlines.
While Ukraine has invested in high-tech, long-range drones like the Lord, Russia has focused on cost-effective solutions such as the Shturm-ST and Shahed series drones it has deployed since the war began.
Post Image – Images shared on social media claim to depict the remains of the long-range Lord kamikaze drone (Post Image Credit: Image shared on X)
