Military News 3.1: Ukraine launches long-range UAV attack and the US unveils the YFQ-48A autonomous aircraft.
Ukraine deployed long-range UAVs to attack a series of military targets in Donetsk, while the US announced the designation YFQ-48A and China commissioned the modern destroyer Loudi.
On January 1st, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SOF) conducted a series of long-range drone strikes targeting Russian military objectives in the Donetsk region. This operation reflects a trend in modern warfare, where drones have become the primary means for precision strikes from long distances.
Ukraine's long-range UAV combat capabilities
According to information from SOF Ukraine, the UAVs used are capable of penetrating deep into enemy territory, overcoming multiple layers of air defense and electronic jamming environments. Their advanced guidance system, combining satellite positioning and inertial navigation, allowed them to approach targets with high accuracy even at night.
The targets of the attack included:
- Command Center:A unit of the 68th Tank Regiment, part of the Russian 150th Motorized Infantry Division.
- Military fuel depot:In Ilovaisk, serving with the 51st Combined Army Group.
- UAV infrastructure:A Geran UAV storage site in the Donetsk airport area.
Hitting these targets demonstrates that Ukraine is effectively operating an integrated warfare model, which shortens the time from intelligence gathering to actual action.
The US Air Force unveils the YFQ-48A unmanned aerial vehicle.
The US Air Force has officially unveiled its new generation UAV, the YFQ-48A, designed to operate in conjunction with manned fighter aircraft. This is part of the Coordinated Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, aimed at expanding air power through automation technology.
The YFQ-48A was developed from a research project by Northrop Grumman. Its official naming in late December 2025 indicates that the aircraft has passed initial testing and is closer to actual service. The YFQ-48A is intended to operate in conjunction with existing manned fighters and new combat aircraft under development in the future.
Although detailed specifications have not been released, the YFQ-48A is believed to have a high degree of automation, performing reconnaissance, attack, electronic jamming, or data transmission roles. This model minimizes pilot risk and optimizes operating costs compared to using too many expensive manned aircraft.
China commissions new Type 052D destroyer.
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has just commissioned the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Loudi (hull number 176). This is the next step in Beijing's strategy to expand its main surface fleet in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Type 052D class, designated Luyang III by NATO, currently forms the core of the PLAN's destroyer fleet. China employs a mass production method combined with incremental improvements to maintain a stable shipbuilding pace, while simultaneously upgrading sensors, weapons, and combat systems.
Specifications and firepower of the Loudi
The Loudi has a full-load displacement of approximately 7,500 tons and a maximum speed of over 30 knots. Its main weapons systems include:
- Vertical Launch System (VLS):64 multi-purpose launch tubes, capable of deploying HHQ-9B anti-aircraft missiles, YJ-18 anti-ship missiles, and CJ-10 cruise missiles.
- Sensors:Dual-sided active phased array radar enhances target tracking capabilities and counters electronic warfare.
- Support system:The ship is equipped with a 130mm gun, close-in defense system, and a helipad for anti-submarine helicopters.
The commissioning of the Loudi brings the total number of Type 052D class ships to over 30, reflecting the country's defense industry capabilities and the shifting naval balance in the region.
