US sends secretive Phoenix Ghost ‘suicide drones’ to Ukraine
- More than 100 aerial vehicles are expected to be deployed in the eastern part of the war-torn country
- Experts believe the comparatively small weapon could be hard to see against the cloud cover that shrouds much of Ukraine in late April and in May
The Joe Biden administration is sending 121 of the company’s Phoenix Ghost drones to Ukraine, where they will are expected to get heavy use in the eastern part of the country. Russian forces have regrouped there and are somewhat exposed in flat, open territory similar to California’s Central Valley.
Defence analysts say it appears the Phoenix Ghost will loiter in the sky, quietly looking for targets. Once it finds one, the drone goes into a dive and rams the object, setting off its explosive warhead. Analysts speculate that it is a comparatively small weapon that could be hard to see against the cloud cover that shrouds much of Ukraine in late April and in May.
The vehicle’s specific size, shape, payloads and capabilities haven’t be disclosed. Nor has any one explained the origin of the drone’s name.
01:45
Ukrainian forces optimistic they can hold off Russian advance in Donbas region
