Russian missile destroys US firm’s Kyiv drone factory

The Guardian ^ | Thu 30 Jul 2026 13.40 EDT | Aram Roston

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Strike on Terminal Autonomy plant appears to be first time in the war that Moscow has targeted a US company

A drone factory in Kyiv destroyed by a Russian ballistic missile on Friday was owned by a US corporation registered in Delaware, in what appears to be the first time Moscow has targeted a US company in the conflict.

Terminal Autonomy makes precision “deep-strike” drones with guidance systems that are resistant to Russian jamming signals, according to a person familiar with the company.

The phrase “terminal autonomy” refers to the final phase of a kamikaze drone’s attack in which AI takes over control of the weapon after the defending force jams radio waves or mobile service.

State records show that the corporation was registered in Delaware in 2023. The company’s website says: “We deploy AI-guided loitering munitions and precision munitions, which are already in active service against enemy assets on the frontline.”

Terminal Autonomy did not reply to an emailed request for comment. The Ukrainian defence ministry also did not respond to an email.

Anthony Vinci, a former senior US intelligence officer who wrote The Fourth Intelligence Revolution: The Future of Espionage and the Battle to Save America, 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.”

Early in July, Donald Trump, who had previously been lukewarm to efforts to arm Ukraine, said the US would license Ukraine to manufacture Patriot anti-aircraft missiles.

Vinci said: “I do think if Patriot missiles or any American system was manufactured in Ukraine, I think the Russians would target that manufacturing facility.”

The Russian state news agency Tass first reported on...

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TOPICS: Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: boom; deltaputinbot; oyvey; putinthewarpig; russiansuicide; russiantrollfarm; ukenaziisgoboom; vladtheimploder

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Terminal Autonomy makes precision “deep-strike” drones with guidance systems that are resistant to Russian jamming signals, according to a person familiar with the company.

Uh huh.

[Paladin2]

US drone factories need to be in Poland or furthur[sic] West.

[proxy_user]

Most of these drone factories are in hidden locations. Putting one in Kiev is probably not a good idea.

[frank ballenger]

Lucky for them the factory was bundled together with motorcycles and homes so Progressive will pay to have it rebuilt.

[frank ballenger]

As Americans they even put a big sign “No Bomb Zone” but the place was blown up anyway.

[PGR88]

Hunter Biden’s gonna be pissed.....

[jacknhoo]

“I do think if Patriot missiles or any American system was manufactured in Ukraine, I think the Russians would target that manufacturing facility.”

___________________

Naturally.

[A strike]

not fair, not fair ..

[jacknhoo]

“US drone factories need to be in Poland or furthur[sic] West.”

__________________________

Yeah, like the the U.S. State of Georgia.

[Fai Mao]

:}

[ducttape45]

So much for ending the war within 24 hours of taking office huh? Now the US is licensing them to build Patriot missiles. 🤦‍♂️

[neverevergiveup]

So much for ending the war within 24 hours of taking office huh? Now the US is licensing them to build Patriot missiles.

He gave it a very good shot. He led the horses to water, but could not make them drink. Interestingly, Ukraine is turning out to be more difficult than Afghanistan for Russia - and it didn't go well for them there.

What is Putin's ultimate goal, not just with Ukraine, but with Eastern Europe and the world in general? He's megalomaniacal.

[PAR35]

Legitimate military target.

[doc maverick]

“What is Putin’s ultimate goal, not just with Ukraine, but with Eastern Europe and the world in general?”
Putin can’t even take Ukraine…….I doubt if he’s stupid enough to widen his war.
The CCP won’t help Putin either because they’re more interested in squashing the US.

[Sacajaweau]

Clues....2023...Delaware...

[neverevergiveup]

The CCP won’t help Putin either because they’re more interested in squashing the US.

I bought some tools today at the hardware store, and was able to buy 'made in the USA tools'. It's difficult, but not impossible. IMHO we should all try hard not to fund China's ambitions.

[Empire_of_Liberty]

Not to rain on your parade, but check the metal. If it isn’t stamped USA, then it isn’t. Made in USA (using global materials) means “Made in China”. The Americans stuff the boxes, like good, little lackies.

I agree with you about defunding America’s killers. Find antique stores, though.

[doc maverick]

I agree.
I wish they would quit ordering latex and nitrile exam gloves from China.
They fall apart and have tiny holes in them.

[delta7]

Vlad can hit any target in Ukraine he wants to, not one square meter is safe. He has shown much restraint, and it appears with the absolutely insane amount of strikes recently he is taking the gloves off.