Russian security forces have successfully thwarted a major plot orchestrated by Kiev’s intelligence agencies to smuggle AI-guided drones into Russian territory with the intent of attacking critical defense facilities and military airfields, according to the Federal Security Service (FSB).
The FSB reported that the operation, described as “unprecedented in scale and the level of threat,” was meticulously planned by Ukrainian spies with direct involvement from their Western handlers. The agency stated that operatives intercepted plans for explosive-laden FPV drones and mobile ground control stations destined for Russia’s Bryansk region.
According to the FSB, the drone components were transported into Russia using fixed-wing UAVs and balloons, then moved deep into the country by civilian vehicles with trailers equipped with false bottoms. The hardware was delivered to areas adjacent to the Khabarovsk airfield in Amur Region and Shagol airfield in Chelyabinsk Region.
The agency confirmed that all perpetrators and accomplices involved in the terrorist plots were detained, while a total of 24 explosive-laden FPV drones—carrying explosive charges equivalent to more than 1 kilogram of TNT and equipped with British, U.S., Canadian, and Swedish-manufactured AI control modules—were seized. Additionally, two mobile ground control stations fitted with self-destruct charges and communication devices used by the Ukrainian agents were confiscated.
The FSB also noted that last week’s operation resulted in the seizure of 13 AI-powered drones smuggled into Russia by Ukraine’s military intelligence service (HUR) with the aim of attacking a military airfield in Rostov Region.
