A Russian ballistic missile destroyed a drone factory in Kyiv on Friday, marking the first time Moscow has targeted a US company in the conflict. The facility was owned by Terminal Autonomy, a corporation registered in Delaware in 2023.
Factory Produced Advanced Drones
Terminal Autonomy manufactures precision deep-strike drones equipped with guidance systems resistant to Russian jamming, according to a source familiar with the company. The phrase 'terminal autonomy' refers to the final phase of a kamikaze drone's attack, where AI takes over control after jamming of radio waves or mobile service. The company's website states: 'We deploy AI-guided loitering munitions and precision munitions, which are already in active service against enemy assets on the frontline.'
No Casualties Reported
No one was killed in the attack, according to a source familiar with the company. Terminal Autonomy did not respond to a request for comment, and the Ukrainian defence ministry also did not reply to an email.
Expert Analysis
Anthony Vinci, a former senior US intelligence officer, said: 'The Russians don’t care who owns the manufacturing facility. It’s still a target. They don’t care if it’s American or someone else’s.' He added that if Patriot missiles or any American system were manufactured in Ukraine, Russia would target that facility. Early in July, Donald Trump suggested the US would license Ukraine to manufacture Patriot anti-aircraft missiles.
Russian State Media Report
The Russian state news agency Tass reported the attack on Sunday, citing the Russian defence ministry. The report did not disclose US ownership but mentioned 'specialists from a Ukrainian-American company' worked there. Tass accurately reported that the plant produced AQ-400 Scythe and AQ-100 Bayonet drones.
