Ukrainians Collaborate with NATO Allies to Repurpose Cluster Shells for Drone Munitions
Ukrainians are repurposing U.S.-made cluster munition artillery shells by extracting the submunition bomblets inside to use as improvised weapons for small drones. Video footage shows personnel from a Ukrainian drone unit dismantling an M483A1 155mm artillery shell and arming the submunitions. The use of improvised bomblets dropped from drones has been successful for Ukrainian forces. The demand for 155mm artillery rounds is high in Ukraine, and repurposing these shells provides additional munitions for drone strikes. Safety concerns and the U.S. response to this unconventional use remain uncertain.