Russian Drone Manufacturer Seriously Injured in Car Bomb Explosion Near Yekaterinburg

Moscow, The Gulf Observer: The head of a prominent Russian military drone manufacturing company was seriously injured and his driver killed after an explosive device detonated beneath their vehicle near the city of Yekaterinburg, in what authorities are investigating as a suspected targeted attack.

According to Russian media reports, Vladimir Tkachuk, director of Uraldronzavod, sustained critical injuries when an explosion struck his Mercedes on Tuesday in the village of Bolshoy Istok, near Yekaterinburg. His driver, who was also reported to have served as a bodyguard, was killed in the blast. Tkachuk was rushed to hospital and remains in intensive care.

Uraldronzavod is known for producing Upyr (Vampire) first-person-view (FPV) attack drones, which have been widely deployed by Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Tkachuk has also been a prominent pro-military commentator, operating a widely followed Telegram channel and promoting Russian drone technology at official events attended by senior government leaders.

The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting individuals linked to Russia’s defense and military-industrial sectors. It follows the recent shooting of another Russian drone developer and other attacks against military officials, highlighting growing security concerns surrounding key figures involved in Russia’s defense production.

Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the bombing. While no group has claimed responsibility, previous attacks on Russian military and defense personnel have frequently been attributed by Moscow to Ukrainian intelligence services. Ukraine has not commented on the latest incident.

The bombing comes amid Russia’s continued efforts to expand its unmanned systems capabilities, with drone technology playing an increasingly central role in the country’s military strategy during the conflict in Ukraine.