The Ukrainian military shot down a Chinese-made unmanned aerial vehicle, CNN reports. According to him, it was a Mugin-5 commercial drone modified for military operations.
The Ukrainian army told CNN that it shot down a drone with small arms – the device was flying at very low altitude. The correspondent of the television channel confirmed that bullet holes are visible on the body of the drone.
An expert interviewed by CNN noted that the drone had a bomb release mechanism made from 3D printed components. According to the expert, this indicates that the drone was designed for multiple use.
The Chinese company Mugin Limited, which specializes in the production of drones, confirmed that it was their drone that was shot down in Ukraine. The fact of such use of the drone in the company called it “unfortunate” and said that they were “doing everything possible to stop it”. Former company published a statement condemning the use of its drones for military purposes, and also said that as soon as a full-scale war began, it stopped accepting orders from Russia and Ukraine.
CNN has contacted the Russian Defense Ministry for comment on the incident, but has not yet received a response.
In early March, Russian Telegram channels reportedthat two Mugin-5 drones launched from Ukraine were planted in Crimea using electronic warfare.
These drones are also known as “Alibaba drones” because they can be purchased for up to $15,000 on Chinese internet platforms such as Alibaba and Taobao.