On December 15, heavyweight long-range drones carried out strikes on Russian military infrastructure in Chechnya, targeting facilities linked to the Akhmat-Grozny OMON base.
The attack, which took place deep within Russian territory, highlights growing vulnerabilities in the country’s defense systems.
The targeted base reportedly houses units of the so-called private army of Ramzan Kadyrov, the controversial leader of Chechnya and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Known as “Kadyrovites,” these forces operate under the guise of OMON riot police units and have been accused of participating in punitive operations in Ukraine and elsewhere.
Footage shared on Ukrainian media shows the moment a kamikaze drone, reportedly based on a light aircraft, struck a building used by Kadyrov’s forces. Additional videos capture the drone approaching its target, with ground personnel attempting unsuccessfully to neutralize it using small arms fire.
This marks the third such drone strike on Chechnya in recent weeks, raising concerns about the reach and precision of these aerial platforms. Notably, the drones reportedly traveled approximately 900 kilometers to reach their targets, demonstrating a significant range and operational capability.
For years, Kadyrov and his forces have played a prominent role in Russia’s military and political strategy, frequently issuing threats against Ukraine and other adversaries. These latest attacks suggest a shift in tactics aimed directly at the Chechen leader’s power base.
While Russian officials have not provided a detailed response, the incident raises questions about the adequacy of air defenses in critical regions. The inability to intercept the drones highlights potential gaps in the country’s security infrastructure.