In Kazakhstan's Mangistau region, in a desert area near the Caspian Sea coast, locals have discovered the wreckage of an unmanned aerial vehicle identified as a British Banshee Jet 80. According to preliminary data, the aircraft was presumably used in an attack on Russia's Astrakhan region, after which it crashed in the neighboring state. The incident, which did not cause any casualties or destruction, has caused widespread controversy and raised questions about the use of military technology in the region.

According to information provided by the Kazakh authorities, the drone was found on June 18, 2025, in a hard-to-reach area of ​​the Mangistau region. Specialists who arrived at the scene confirmed that the device belongs to the Banshee Jet 80 model, developed by the British company QinetiQ. This drone, originally created as a target for air defense training, has been adapted in recent years to perform reconnaissance and combat missions. Its technical characteristics are impressive: the flight range exceeds 700 kilometers, and the maximum speed reaches 720 km / h. Experts note that the device is equipped with modern navigation systems and is capable of carrying a payload, including reconnaissance equipment or light ammunition.

According to sources in Russian media, the drone could have been used in an attack on facilities in the Astrakhan region, where drone strikes have previously been recorded. Kazakh officials have not yet confirmed the connection of the device with a specific military incident, but an investigation has already begun. Local authorities emphasized that the crash did not cause damage to infrastructure, and the crash zone was quickly cordoned off for examination.

The Banshee Jet 80 entered service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2022 as part of military assistance from Western partners. Its compact size and high speed make it a difficult target for air defense systems, which explains its use in operations at a significant distance from the front line. Military aviation experts note that such drones are often used for reconnaissance, artillery fire adjustment, or the delivery of small strike weapons. However, the reasons why the device ended up on the territory of Kazakhstan remain a subject of speculation. Possible versions include a technical malfunction, a failure in the navigation system, or the interception of a control signal.

Kazakhstan, which remains neutral in the current geopolitical conflict, has announced its intention to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.