Russia periodically loses UAVs in its own territory and in occupied territories – British intelligence
The Russian air force regularly drops guided bombs on its own territory or on temporarily occupied Ukrainian lands. This is stated in a report by British intelligence.
According to the data provided, 25 guided bombs have fallen on Russian territory and the occupied areas since the start of 2026. In 2025, 143 such incidents were recorded, and in 2024 the number stood at 165.
British intelligence notes that such incidents result in civilian casualties. In particular, on 16 May 2026, a guided aerial bomb fell in the village of Dubove in the Belgorod region, killing one person.
According to the agency’s assessment, the Russian Aerospace Forces carry out over 200 combat sorties against Ukraine every day and launch between 180 and 250 guided munitions per day, depending on weather conditions.
The report notes that such incidents indicate persistent errors in the use of aerial munitions. British intelligence believes that technical personnel are failing to prepare aircraft properly for combat sorties, and that pilots are making mistakes whilst carrying out their missions.
According to intelligence analysts, this may be linked to crew fatigue, as well as indicating an insufficient level of military training.
Earlier, there were reports of a Russian aerial bomb falling on the territory of Belgorod. Russian aircraft have also dropped aerial bombs on the Belgorod region during other incidents.
