described as a "superweapon", the Dan-M demonstrated a new step forward in Russia's airstrike strategy and drone technology, while increasing tensions in the conflict.
The Dan-M is a suicide drone developed by Russia in collaboration with Iran, based on the Shahed technology that has been widely used in the conflict. With a length of 4.6m, a wingspan of 2.7m, a weight of about 350kg, a flight speed of 400 to 750 km/h and a flight ceiling of 50 to 9,000m, the Dan-M can operate for 40 minutes and carry a powerful warhead to attack targets with high accuracy.
The drone was deployed by Russia in coordination with types such as the Geran-2 and cruise missiles, creating a wave of attacks to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense system. The Dan-M can be launched from many different platforms, including Mi-8 helicopters, helping to expand access to difficult areas and increase surprise in tactics.
The first use of the Dan-M was recorded early on the morning of May 29, targeting strategic targets such as military infrastructure, weapons factories and communications centers of Ukraine. The strikes were part of a large-scale air campaign, with hundreds of drones and missiles used, especially on May 25-26 - considered the largest drone attack since the start of the conflict.
Despite its advantages in accurate and flexible attack capabilities, Dan-M still has limitations. The slow speed and the ability to collide with obstacles such as trees make it vulnerable to detection and destruction by the air defense system. Ukraine has shot down a large number of drones in several strikes, with 71 of the 88 of them disabled overnight.
In response to the threat from Dan-M, Ukraine has strengthened its defense with modern systems, built drone walls and developed fiber-optic domestic drones. At the same time, Ukraine also carried out drone retaliatory attacks on Russian territory, targeting strategic targets.
The appearance of Dan-M not only shows Russia's technological efforts, but also reflects the level of escalation in the conflict. Despite strong criticism from the international community, including US President Donald Trump, Russia continues to use unmanned weapons such as the Dan-M as a central part of modern military strategy.
