Moscow airports were temporarily closed following a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack, resulting in around 200 flight cancellations and delays. US media reported that operations aimed at paralyzing airport functions may be intensified in the future.
The impact of a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack temporarily closed Moscow airports, with cancellations and delays in Russia reportedly reaching approximately 200 flights. The attacks continued from the early hours into the morning of the 16th, and the suspension of airport operations disrupted passenger flights.
The US media outlet The Atlantic reported, citing Ukrainian officials, that operations to paralyze Russian airport functions over the long term may be conducted more aggressively in the future. The reported operation, called Operation M&Ms, would use small AI-equipped drones to evade air-defense networks and directly attack airport facilities.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the Russian military is establishing a new launch base for drones equipped with jet engines and is expected to bring it into operation soon. Satellite images taken near the Ukrainian border show that several structures appeared over a six-week period.
The base is nearing completion and is estimated to be capable of launching more than 100 drones a day. Drones equipped with jet engines are considered difficult to intercept, and their deployment as an operational capability may advance.