The unprecedented drone confrontation in Poland's airspace on Wednesday involved, at least in part, Russia's Gerbera UAVs, according to a Polish army official. The cheap, long-range drone is assembled in Yelabuga, Russia, from kits supplied by a Chinese manufacturer, Ukrainian intelligence says. It is made of plywood and foam, driven by a rear motor and propeller, similar to Shahed drones that Russia either buys from Iran or builds itself.
Ukrainian and Western analysts say Russia uses the Gerbera as a decoy to saturate air defences, but also occasionally as a flying bomb with a small warhead or for reconnaissance. China denies shipping wares for use against Ukraine, but such shipments have been regularly documented. Ukrainian intelligence adds that smuggled electronic components from US and European manufacturers have been found in the Gerbera despite export restrictions.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised Western and global leaders for a 'lack of action' over Russia's violation of Polish airspace. 'There have been more than enough statements, but so far there has been a lack of action. The Russians are testing the limits of what is possible,' he said in his daily address. He called for a joint European air shield, presenting proposals for coordinated protection of European airspace.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told Germany's parliament that the drones were 'clearly set on this course' to enter Poland and 'did not have to fly this route to reach Ukraine'. He added that the Poles reported the drones were 'suitably armed ... so something could have happened at any time'.
The UK will mass-produce low-cost Ukrainian-designed interceptor drones to help Ukraine fight off Russian UAV attacks. Defence Secretary John Healey will detail the project at the DSEI trade show in London on Thursday. Healey condemned Russia's 'reckless' incursion into Polish airspace after talks with defence officials from Poland, Italy, France and Germany.
