Wrote: Fatbardh Dema
Russian-language channel on Telegram "Belorussky silovik"has published content through which it claims that "the Kosovo Security Forces have introduced the SKIFTERI K1 combat drone, developed domestically."
The same content was later published by the Russian propaganda network "Pravda", as well as on a Russian website "podolyaka.ru".
What's wrong with this claim?
After verifying the facts, hibrid.info has determined that the drone shown in these images was not presented by the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), but by a private company in Kosovo.
About the “SKIFTERI K1” drone
On Sunday (January 18), a video was shared on social media and in the media that allegedly shows the Kosovo-made suicide drone, the “SKIFTERI K1”, being launched and hitting a target.
The person who claims to be behind it, Ridvan Aliu, said that this testing has proven that Kosovo is ready to strike from the air at a distance of 1000+ kilometers (km) away.
"SKIFTERI K1 is tested by one of our customers with maximum accuracy: Flight: 7h 12 min, distance: 1124 km, load: 42 kg (armed)", Ali wrote in Facebook.
According to Ali, who is the founder of "Future Minds Academy" from Gjilan, a company which, together with "MIGA SkyShield MAR"(also from Gjilan), they say they are the manufacturers of this drone, the unmanned aircraft has managed to successfully fly 1124 kilometers, a journey covered in 7 hours and 12 minutes.
So, the claim that the drone was presented by the KSF is false.
On Thursday (January 22), hibrid.info published an article on the video of the “SKIFTERI K1” drone, discussing what is known so far and what remains unverified. (see here)
Analyze
A Russian-language channel on Telegram, then the Russian propaganda network "Pravda" in Albanian and the website "podolyaka.ru", have published content claiming that a drone called "SKIFTERI K1" has been introduced by the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF).
After verifying the facts, hibrid.info has confirmed that this claim is unfounded, as the drone was not presented by the KSF, but by a private company in Kosovo.
The video shared on January 18 shows footage of a test of what is said to be the "SKIFTERI K1" drone, which Ridvan Aliu, founder of "Future Minds Academy", has stated was developed by this company in collaboration with "MIGA SkyShield MAR".
Based on its work methodology, hibrid.info assesses this claim as "Disinformation".
rationale
"Disinformation" is defined as information content that contains a "mix" of inaccurate sources or even half-truthful attributes, and that is created and/or distributed with the deliberate intention of causing harm. The motive behind the producers/distributors of disinformation content lies in achieving a political, financial, psychological or social goal.