SBU detains scientist who helped modernize Shahed (video)

30 October 16:45

A scientist who helped Russians improve Shahed drones was detained in Kharkiv. This was reported by Komersant UkrainianKomersant Ukrainian with reference to a post on the SBU Telegram channel.

According to the investigation, the 72-year-old mechanical scientist was developing drawings to improve Shahed kamikaze drones on behalf of the Russian occupiers. In particular, he worked on the modernization of engines and catapult launchers. Since 2023, this company has been working closely with a Russian company that manufactures attack drones.

The suspect remotely transferred technological developments to his acquaintance, the CEO of a Russian machine-building plant that produces units for drones. The Kharkiv resident used e-mail and one of the messengers to communicate with his Russian accomplices. At the same time, he disguised cooperation with the occupiers under the guise of preparing scientific papers in the field of UAVs.

In addition, the scientist involved his former student in the project work, who fled Kharkiv region to Russia at the beginning of the full-scale war. There, he got a job at the Moscow Technological University, where he develops drones.

Security forces detained the offender. The scientist is currently in custody. He faces 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

Мандровська Олександра
Editor