Ukraine turns passenger plane into 1,000km long-range drone, Russia has no response to this threat

Ukrainian engineers continue to amaze the world with their ingenuity and technological advances. According to the German publication Bild , they have managed to transform a light civilian aircraft into a heavy, long-range kamikaze drone capable of flying over 1,000 kilometers and carrying a significant combat load. "It flies twice as far as the Taurus," the article notes.
Bild analyst Julian Repke writes that the converted aircraft is distinguished by its small engine size, which is practically undetectable by Russian air defense systems. In combination with its low-altitude flight and special radar protection, this makes it a difficult target for the enemy.
"If the engine of the Storm Shadow missile heats up to 870 degrees, then the engine of this aircraft reaches a maximum of 100 degrees ," Bild emphasizes, pointing out that the Russian air defense does not yet have an effective response to such threats. This type of drone has already demonstrated its effectiveness. In April 2024, they were used to attack the Shahed kamikaze drone factory in Tatarstan, located in the Alabuga special economic zone, 1,200 km from Ukraine. Another strike hit barracks in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya. These operations demonstrate that Ukraine is successfully developing strategic deep-strike weapons, a key element of defense in the face of ongoing full-scale Russian invasion. Despite the successes, Bild analyst Julian Repke notes that the number of such drones remains limited. However, given the successes in their use and the constant modernization of technology, Ukraine has every chance to increase production and continue to develop its capabilities. Experts emphasize: Ukrainian engineers prove that ingenuity and professionalism are capable of withstanding any challenges. The new long-range kamikaze drone is another example of how Ukraine not only defends its territory, but also gives a powerful rebuff to the enemy by introducing advanced technologies in combat operations.
Western technology and finance are helping Ukraine carry out hundreds of long-range strikes inside Russia.
Ukraine has been stepping up its long-range strikes inside Russia over the past few months, launching scores of drones simultaneously at strategic targets several times a week.
The targets include air force bases, oil and ammunition depots and command centres.
Ukrainian firms are now producing hundreds of armed one-way attack drones a month, at a fraction of the cost it takes to produce a similar drone in the West.