The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has taken to the skies with the use of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.
CNN obtained exclusive footage from Ukraine’s Territorial Defense, showcasing the remains of a weaponized UAV drone that was originally manufactured in China and sold on Alibaba.
The drone was used in a strike on a Russian rocket launcher and carried a powerful bomb rigged with deadly shrapnel.
Ukraine’s state security service reported that the drone was launched from Russian-occupied territory and was shot down by Ukrainian troops using rifles.
The drone was identified as a Mugen 5, manufactured by McGinn Limited, a Chinese company that designs air frames for various activities.
The drones are available for sale on online marketplaces such as Alibaba for up to $50,000.
Military experts have referred to these militarized UAVs as “dumb bombs,” lacking advanced technology such as decent cameras that would make them more effective.
