Rujum attack drone, illustrative image.
On July 14, Saudi-backed forces shot down a “Rujum” armed drone of the Houthis in the central Yemeni province of Ma’rib.
The armed drone was reportedly on its way to bomb Saudi-backed forces on al-Kasarah front in the western countryside of Ma’rib when it was shot down.
Click to see full-size image. Source: Nors Studies.
Click to see full-size image. Source: Nors Studies.
Click to see full-size image. Source: Nors Studies.
Rujum was one of several drones unveiled by the Houthis during the “Martyr Leader” military exhibition that was held on March 11. Back then, the Yemeni group shared footage of live-fire tests of the armed drone.
The hexacopter armed drone, which is propelled by six electric engines, has a diameter of 150 millimeters. According to the Houthis, the drone has an operation range of 10 kilometers. It was developed to carry out reconnaissance and combat missions.
The drone is armed with thee munitions, 60 mm mortar rounds. It can carry up to 40 kilograms of munitions and equipment.
The Houthis have been leading an offensive to capture Ma’rib provincial center for well-over four months now. Saudi-backed forces have been showing fierce resistance. This has apparently forced the Houthis to resort to their most advanced weapon systems, like armed drones.
Don’t know why they didn’t give the mortars a good hit with a sledgehammer to see if they still work.
Shot down, yet shows minimal damage and all blades intact? Doesn’t seem very likely. Maybe a malfunction?