Russian BM-70 drones destroy Ukrainian F-16, also downing a Su-27, and Russian satellite-guided drones appear on the battlefield?

The Russian BM-70 drone, this name has appeared for the first time. Foreign military experts initially identified the drone that attacked Mirgorod as the BM-35 "Ithmaz" type developed by Zala Aero (belonging to Kalashnikov Group). These suicide drones with large propellers at the front adopt the "flying wing" configuration, resembling the "Geranium" drone, but are more compact in size.

In fact, the BM-70 is an upgraded version of the "Ithmaz" drone. On January 28, the Russian "Rubicon" center used this weapon system to almost instantly destroy as many as 12 enemy radar stations, eight of which were located in Kharkiv Oblast, and four in Dnipro Oblast, causing extreme panic among the Ukrainian Air Force.

Panic broke out at the Ukrainian military airport in the Mirgorod area of Poltava Oblast. The Russians used the BM-70 to precisely strike and destroy the P-18 radar station and the Ukrainian F-16 and Su-27 aircraft. Now, the total number of F-16s shot down on the Ukraine-Russia battlefield has reached five. Previously, the United States had stated that only five "Fighting Falcon" F-16 pilots had been trained. It is no surprise that the Ukrainian F-16 pilot, this "elite five," has already gone to Bandera. The last F-16 pilot was in the cockpit preparing to take off to save the plane.

Ukraine's new Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov claimed that the Russians have begun equipping the "Ithmaz" drones with the Starlink satellite system, giving them the ability to lock onto targets and transmit real-time intelligence. He complained to Elon Musk, accusing him of being pro-Russian and allowing the Russians to use "Starlink" equipment on the battlefield.

However, there is a detail worth noting: if the Russian BM-35 and BM-70 drones are indeed controlled through the satellite system, the widespread use of this innovative drone may indicate that Russia's version of "Starlink" - the "Dawn" satellite system has been put into operation. In fact, on September 17, 2025, the head of the Russian Space Agency, Dmitry Bakoynov, announced that Russia would launch a satellite communication system similar to Starlink in the near future, with the first phase involving 300 units and the second phase involving 900 units.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856094080149514/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.