Russia to fit tanks with ‘PTERODACTYL’ drones as Putin bolsters forces on Europe’s borders

The “Pterodactyl” drones – expected to give Russian tanks the ability to scan up to 10 kilometres from their position – boosts Russian ground forces’ capabilities as the military bolsters its presence on Europe’s borders.

The drones will be attached via cable to Russia’s Armata tanks, and will greatly increase the distance at which they can identify targets.

Reports claim the drones will be able to ascend “tens of metres” and keep up with tanks moving at high speeds.

And the new military tech will be fitted with thermal night vision equipment and radar capabilities.

This comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine once again begin to rIse, after the latter yesterday began two days of missile tests over Crimean waters.

The weapons testing has infuriated Kremlin officials, who last week slammed the exercises as illegal, and warned any missiles test would violate “basic principles of civil aviation”.

Russia has deployed warships in the Black Sea and placed its air defence on high alert in response.

A Crimean military source said: “The ships’ air defence units have been put on a higher state of alert.

“Together with land-based air defence units on the peninsula, the ships have thrown up a practically impenetrable shield against the enemy’s rockets.”

Another accused Ukraine of trying to create a “nervous situation”.

The Ukrainian Security and Defence Council last week denied plans to conduct the exercises in the airspace between Russia and Crimea – and argued the Ukraine is free to conduct military drills anywhere in its airspace.