Russian security officials have thwarted a significant operation by Ukrainian intelligence agencies aimed at smuggling AI-guided drones into Russia and attacking key defense facilities and military airfields, according to the Federal Security Service (FSB).

The FSB reported that the plot, described as “unprecedented in scale and the level of threat,” was prepared by Ukrainian spies with direct involvement from Western handlers. Russian operatives uncovered plans for explosive-laden FPV drones and mobile ground control stations to be delivered to Russia’s Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. The drone components were transported into Russia using fixed-wing UAVs and balloons before being moved via civilian vehicles with trailers equipped with false bottoms.

The hardware was delivered near the Ukrainka airfield in Amur Region of Russia’s Far East and Shagol airfield in Chelyabinsk Region in the Urals. The drones were assembled and prepared for deployment in garages rented by suspects, according to Russian authorities.

At that moment, FSB operatives detained “the perpetrators and accomplices involved in the terrorist plots.” They seized 24 FPV drones carrying explosive charges equivalent to over 1 kg of TNT, equipped with British, U.S., Canadian, and Swedish-manufactured electronic warfare-resistant AI control modules. The agency also confiscated two mobile ground control stations fitted with self-destruct charges and communication devices used by Ukrainian agents to contact their handlers.

Last week, Russian authorities reported seizing 13 AI-powered drones smuggled into Russia by the Ukrainian military intelligence service (HUR) with the aim of attacking a military airfield in southern Rostov Region.