Molniya is a Russian fixed-wing attack drone adapted with autonomous AI capabilities to operate without control antennas vulnerable to electronic warfare. The system has seen deployment in Ukraine with variants equipped with Nvidia Jetson Orin processors for target selection, and Russia has reportedly transferred related AI technology to Iran.
| Country | Russia |
|---|---|
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | RC line-of-sight – VLOS |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – dual-use / improvised | FPV strike |
| Mission / use case – military | Loitering munition (one-way attack) |
| Origin / supply chain | State-actor bespoke |
| Propulsion | Electric (LiPo / Li-ion) |
| Range / endurance | Close range (5–50 km, 1–6 hrs) |
| Signature / detectability | RF-emitting |
| Strike depth / operational role | Middle strike (20–150 km, operational rear: logistics, artillery, EW, C2) |
| Threat vector | Kinetic – loitering munition |
| Weight / class | Class I – Mini (2–20 kg) |
| Confidence | low |