Russian armed forces have deployed an unusual new first-person view drone named Boomerang, according to Ukrainian presidential advisor Serhiy Beskrestnov.
Writing on the Telegram messaging platform, Beskrestnov reported that the Russian military had begun operating the specialized unmanned aerial vehicle, which features high-capacity electrical batteries and an expanded multi-motor configuration. He noted that he had not previously encountered an aircraft built to that specific design.
The Boomerang is constructed around the frame of a standard quadcopter, a four-rotor civilian drone layout widely adapted for military reconnaissance and strike duties. However, the modified airframe has been fitted with eight individual engines to increase thrust and power output. The aircraft is equipped with two onboard cameras and carries twin electrical batteries, each rated at a capacity of 10.5 ampere-hours.
Design and strike capabilities
The presence of an explosive warhead indicates that the Boomerang is configured as a kamikaze drone, also known as a loitering munition. Unlike reusable reconnaissance aircraft, kamikaze drones are single-use weapon systems designed to collide directly with target positions and detonate on impact.
First-person view (FPV) drones allow operators to pilot the aircraft using real-time video transmitted directly from onboard cameras to video goggles or monitor screens. The inclusion of dual cameras and eight motors provides improved situational awareness and flight performance, while high-capacity batteries help offset the heavy power demands of additional propulsion units.
Earlier Russian uncrewed deployments
The deployment of the Boomerang follows several other specialized uncrewed aerial vehicle introductions by Russian forces. In July, the Russian military began using a nine-inch strike copter designated as Izdeliye-98 for attack missions.
Russian troops also unveiled a heavy FPV drone known as the Shamalet during the same month. Built by combining three separate copter frames into a single multi-rotor structure, the Shamalet is capable of carrying a payload of approximately 10 kilograms. The heavy drone is designed to transport ammunition and other military supplies to frontline positions, reflecting a broader trend toward using uncrewed systems for battlefield logistics alongside combat operations.
