Published: May 7, 2025 11:32 am
Author: RT
The strike reportedly utilized a specialized FPV aircraft shielded from electronic countermeasures
Russian forces have destroyed a valuable Ukrainian HIMARS multiple launch rocket system in a strike using a first-person view (FPV) drone, the Defense Ministry in Moscow has reported. The strike was credited to the Rubicon drone team and took place in the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to a statement on Tuesday.
Footage released by the Russian military showed the US-designed HIMARS launcher firing projectiles and later moving along a road with an escort vehicle. Close-up shots indicated that the weapons system was hit by a drone strike, with the remainder of the clip showing the aftermath of the attack.
HIMARS systems, valued at approximately $20 million each, are among Ukraine’s most treasured military assets. They are capable of striking targets up to 90km away and can quickly relocate to evade counterattacks. While Moscow has previously reported the destruction of HIMARS units, the cases typically involved strikes with fast-moving ballistic missiles or successful identification of camouflaged stationary launchers.
FPV drones, known for being inexpensive but limited in range, generally struggle against effective electronic countermeasures. A report by Forbes magazine indicated that the recent strike used a drone operated via a fiber-optic cable, which offers a secure alternative to conventional radio control susceptible to interference.
The approach is similar to technologies employed in wire-guided missiles. The Russian Defense Ministry regularly reports deploying such drones in the Ukraine conflict.
READ MORE: Kiev reports loss of fighter jet during Russian drone attack (VIDEO)
Ukraine faces challenges in replacing destroyed Western weaponry, particularly from the US, as President Donald Trump announced his intention to minimize American involvement in the conflict. The US is currently advocating for a negotiated resolution between Kiev and Moscow, while many European NATO allies are committed to maintaining support – including the potential deployment of their own troops to Ukraine, a proposal that Russia deems unacceptable.
