DAN-M: the decoy drone Russias using to overwhelm enemy air defenses

DAN-M: the decoy drone Russia’s using to overwhelm enemy air defenses Created as a training drone to simulate enemy targets like Tomahawk cruise missiles or small aircraft for Russian pilot and SAM crew training, the DAN-M has been adapted into a full-fledged, explosive payload-equipped kamikaze UAV. First adopted in 1993, DAN drones can be launched from Mi-8 choppers’ external hardpoints, or using a ground-based catapult and accelerator. An upgrade with new turbojet engine was introduced in 2020. Characteristics Flight speed: up to 750 km/h Endurance: 25-70 minutes Takeoff weight: ~350 kg Max altitude: 5-9 km (beyond the reach of MANPADS and most cheaper air defenses) Stealth: training variant’s bright red and black body repainted into grey-on-grey color scheme Russian media began reporting on the DAN-M’s use in strikes in May. This week, National Interest reported that the UAV has been wreaking havoc on Ukraine’s air defenses. “With the DAN-M drone, the Russians have perfect... Source: RT and Sputnik News