In Kherson, Russian forces struck a locomotive using a drone, raising significant concerns among experts regarding the nature of the strike and the quality of the video signal obtained. Specialists suggest that modern control technologies may have been employed during the attack, complicating the detection and neutralization of the drone.
This is reported by Finway
Possible Drone Control Technologies During the Attack
Advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Serhiy Beskrestnov, noted in his statement that the drone conducted the attack with a clear and stable video image. Such signal quality may indicate the use of an LTE modem or a fiber optic communication channel to control the drone. However, he mentioned that the option of using a fiber optic cable appears technically complex: it would require running a cable across the Dnipro River, which is about 600 meters wide, and ensuring the drone could fly approximately 7 kilometers to the target.
“Despite claims from Russian sources about the use of optics, no corresponding traces were found at the strike site.”
Local Telegram channels reported on April 16 about the attack of Russian drones on a train in Kherson. The circulated videos captured the moment of the strike on a composition of passenger cars that were attached to the locomotive.
Consequences of the Attack and Warnings for Residents
On the same day, officials warned of the possibility of new attacks: according to information, on April 16, Russian forces were preparing massive strikes on the central part of Kherson using drones and artillery. Residents of the city were urged to remain cautious, avoid going out unless absolutely necessary, and refrain from visiting the central part of the city.
Earlier, Serhiy Beskrestnov, commenting on the attack on a train in the Kharkiv region at the end of January, noted that the drone struck not the locomotive, but the center of the train. According to him, the operator controlled the device via a mesh-type radio modem, likely using Starlink technologies. He emphasized that this was a deliberate decision, as pilots distinguish between types of cars and choose targets intentionally.
Additionally, on March 4, Russian forces attacked a passenger train at the station in Mykolaiv. As a result, one of the cars was completely burned in the fire.