THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART 1

R18 tank-hunting bomber octocopter drone

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: Ukraine | Wingspan: 6 feet | Flight time: 40 minutes | Top speed: unknown | Power: Electric

Ukraine’s drone troops operate these large, domestically-made octocopters to hunt tanks. Each is armed with a pair of old model two-pound RKG-1600 anti-tank grenades apparently fitted with 3D-printed fins. They can hit a tank from 900 feet and can drop a bomb in an open hatch from 500 feet. The bomb easily punches through a tank’s thin top armor. This is used extensively as a tank hunter. The anti-tank bombs can be replaced with similar-sized fragmentation or explosive or incendiary bombs. These are short-range drones used on the battle front.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:13 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART II

Autel Evo II

Operator: Ukraine (and Russia) | Made in: China | Wingspan: 16 inches | Flight time: 40 minutes | Top speed: 45 mph | Power: Electric
Short-range octocopter recon/bomber drone.
The EVO II, made by the Chinese company Autel, has a max takeoff weight of four and a half pounds, making it one of the largest consumer market drones repurposed for war. Both sides use it for local reconnaissance and tactical bombing with small 30mm Vog-17 grenades that throw out lethal shrapnel up to 20 feet from the impact area. It is reportedly highly resistant to jamming.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:17 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART III

DJI Mavic

Operator: Ukraine (and Russia in smaller numbers) | Made in: China | Wingspan: 8 inches | Flight time: 31 minutes | Top speed: 29 mph | Power: Electric

The Mavic quadcopters made by the Chinese company DJI are the most widely used drones in the conflict and are operated by both sides for recon and 30mm grenade dropping. Ukraine asked that civilian drone owners donate their Mavics to the war effort, and thousands more have arrived from foreign supporters and fund-raising campaigns.

The smallest version of the series folds to fit in a cargo pocket so a Patrol on the move could whip it out and send it to look behind the next bush or building or hill.

Common commercial technology, nothing special, widely used.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:20 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART IV

Golden Eagle

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: USA by and for the military | Octocopter Wingspan: About 20 inches | Flight time: Up to 55 minutes | Top Speed: 50 mph | Power: Electric

The US has has sent some of the drones designed for domestic production without chinese parts, including the Golden Eagle, to Ukraine.

The Golden Eagle resembles a consumer quadcopter, but it’s made to military standards with secure, encrypted communications and advanced computing. It has a high level of autonomy. That system scans the ground to calculate speed, distance, and direction, allowing the drone to navigate precisely even when its GPS is jammed. It also carries a high-quality thermal imaging system that the Army says can be upgraded as technology improves. Ukraine is happy to get these from the US as they are superior to Ukrainian drones, but the US doesn't build enough of them. Production is ramping up.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:22 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART V
Skydio X2

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: USA by commercial sources to avoid Chinese parts | Wingspan: 26 inches | Flight time: 35 minutes | Top speed: 25 mph | Powerplant: Electric
An AI-powered engine allows the Skydio to fly autonomously. The military version has built-in obstacle avoidance, encrypted communications, and a thermal imager for night operations. Skydio has donated dozens of drones to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and has sold hundreds more to groups supporting Ukraine, who reportedly funnel them to the country’s Aerorozvidka drone-flying troops. Ukraine is happy to get these recon drones which are superior to Ukrainian production.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:25 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART VI
RQ-4 Global Hawk

Operator: USA (for benefit of Ukraine | Made in: USA | Wingspan: 131 feet, fixed wing | Flight time: More than 34 hours | Top speed: Faster than 350 mph | Powerplant: Turbofan jet engines

The US flies these over Polish and Romanian territory to gather intelligence for Ukraine, which has no drones anything like these. With a wingspan of 130 feet, Global Hawk is larger than a Boeing 757 airliner. Ukraine is happy to have the benefits of these operational recon drones, which it has nothing like.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:30 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART VII
Bayraktar TB2

Operator: Ukraine (and NATO) | Made in: Turkey | Wingspan: 39 feet, fixed win | Flight time: More than 20 hours | Top speed: 100 mph | Powerplant: Gasoline internal combustion

An icon of Ukraine’s resistance, the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 is even the subject of a popular song in the country. It has an effective combat drone in several conflicts. The Bayraktar TB2 is typically armed with four laser-guided MAM-L anti-tank missiles which are more often used against artillery, air defense, fuel storage, truck convoys, and patrol boats. Russia claims to have shot down at least 39 Bayraktars, but Ukraine only has 36 of them, only four have been destroyed so far. Ukraine does not manufacture any drones with this level of combat power.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:32 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART VIII

UJ-22
Operator: Ukraine | designed and build in: Ukraine | Wingspan: 32 feet fixed wing, this sort of drone is not build in garages | Flight time: 7 hours | Top speed: 100 mph | Powerplant: Gasoline internal combustion

The UJ-22, developed by UKRJET of Kyiv, resembles a light aircraft like the Cessna 172 and is used for intelligence, surveillance, and artillery spotting. So far, Ukraine has used the UJ-22 only for surveillance, but the drone has a 45-pound payload and can be armed with weapons of various types, but other foreign supplied drones are more effective in that role.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:35 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART IX
PD-1 People’s Drone

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: Ukraine | Wingspan: 13 feet fixed wing | Flight time: 7 hours | Top speed: 90 mph | Powerplant: Internal combustion engine

Ukrainian drone enthusiasts built the PD-1 in response to Russia’s 2014. Ukraine developed it using commercial components. Ukrspecsystems released newer versions and models. It can launch from a catapult, a runway, or rise vertically, like a helicopter. Ukraine forces use it mostly to direct artillery fire and to track the movement of Russian forces.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:39 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART X
Tupolev Tu-141 Strizh (Swift, a type of bird)

Operator: Ukraine had some leftover Soviet build ones in storage and reused them| Fixed win: 12 feet | Flight time: 60 minutes | Top speed: 680 mph | Powerplant: Turbojet
Originally a photo recon drone, the Ukrainians had a small number and converted them into flying bombs. It is unclear if there are any one ones left in warehouses.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:41 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XI
WB FlyEye
Operator: Ukraine | Made in: Poland | fixed wing: 12 feet | Flight time: 2.5 hours | Top speed: 80 mph | Powerplant: Electric
Used for recon, old technology (2015), still produced and delivered by Poland, small numbers only, certainly less than 50.
Not an attack drone.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:43 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XII
Quantum Systems Vector

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: Germany | fixed wing: 9 feet | Flight time: 2 hours | Top speed: Over 25 mph | Powerplant: Electric

Vector, made by the German firm Quantum Systems, is a highly automated drone that requires minimal training for its pilot. It can fly take off horizontally or vertically. The $200,000 Vectors are reportedly reaching Ukraine via anonymous benefactors, it is unclear if more than a dozen are in service.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:45 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XIII
Spectator

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: Ukraine | Wingspan: 10 feet | Flight time: 2 hours | Top speed: 75 mph | Powerplant: Electric

A team from the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute designed the Spectator in 2014. The design is manufactured by a Kyiv company called Meridian. The Spectator can land on wheels or deploy a parachute and float down. Recon drone, not used for attack, very quiet. Fairly old technology.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:47 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XIV
RQ-20 Puma

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: USA | fixed win: 9 feet | Flight time: 2.5 hours | Top speed: 47 mph | Powerplant: Electric

The Puma, made by U.S.-based AeroVironment, is a small, hand-launched, battery-powered drone that’s been used by the U.S. military since 2008. The latest Puma model boasts a sophisticated sensor package with a laser illuminator that allows the drone operator to point out targets. Ukraine is happy to get and use these drones.
================
Ukraine had, used, and was delighted to have a few dozen US Army Raven recon drones but now uses the Puma.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:48 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XV
Tupolev Tu-143 Reis, an old Soviet drone, the Ukrainians had a few and used them for recon.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:50 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE PART XVI
Punisher

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: Ukraine | FIXED WING: 7.5 feet | Flight time: 90 minutes | Top speed: Over 50 mph | Power plant: Electric

The Punisher is Ukraine’s low-cost tactical airstrike drone, and it typically carries a 75mm four-pound bomb that it can deliver with an accuracy of 12 feet. With a maximum range of 30 miles, the Punisher can strike targets behind enemy lines. It is as good as any in the world. Not better, but more than good enough. As good as any, better than some.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:51 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XVII
Mini-Bayraktar

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: Turkey | fixed wing: 7 feet | Flight time: 60 minutes | Top speed: Over 45 mph | Powerplant: Electric
Used for recon in small numbers.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:53 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XVIII
Leleka-100 “Stork”

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: Ukraine | fixed wing: 7 feet | Flight time: 2.5 hours | Top speed: 75 mph | Powerplant: Electric
Recon drone in use for ten years.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:54 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XIX
Athlon Avia A1-CM Furia

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: Ukraine | Wingspan: 7 feet | Flight time: 3 hours | Top speed: Over 60 mph | Powerplant: Electric

When Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, a shortage of drones on the front line galvanized Ukraine-led start-up companies and amateur drone builders to turn out craft for the military. The most successful civilian-built drone has been the Furia (“Fury”), from Athlon Avia. It’s launched by catapult and recovered by parachute. The Fury remains airborne for up to three hours at ranges as far as 30 miles. Highly resistant to jamming, used for recon.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:56 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XX
Firepoint makes a whole series of at least 9 drone types, mostly long range attack types. I haven't found a good source for their catalog but I am looking. These are ukrainian born and bred with good technology that do the same thing is more expensive US cruise missiles, but data is vague on how many actually get to the target. Still, it's cheap, and if only 20% get to the target its still a bargain.
Here's the company site on the five drone types actually in series production. https://firepoint.technology/en/

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 10:57 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XXI
AeroVironment Quantix

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: USA | Wingspan: About 4 feet | Flight time: 45 minutes | Top speed: Over 40 mph | Powerplant: Electric
Recon drone, 100 delivered to date, small quantities still being produced and delivered, has a camera system superior to anything else that Ukraine or Russia have.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 11:00 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XXII
I am still trying to dig up solid data on Ukraine’s 30-mile kamikaze drones. They apparently make at least four, maybe ten, different ones here, all with the equivalent of a hand grenade. I haven't found any official names or designations. They are built in garages. They are perfectly adequate for the mission but hardly better than similar drones used by Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, the US, it NATO. Good enough, to be sure.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 11:06 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XXIII
Switchblade 300

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: USA for the US Army | Wingspan: About 4 feet | Flight time: Over 15 minutes | Top speed: Over 100 mph | Powerplant: Electric

First used by U.S. Special Forces in 2011, the Switchblade is a small, silent munition that is difficult to evade. Troops fire the six-pound drone from a compact launch tube without revealing the operator’s position. Once airborne, it unfolds its wings and propeller and cruises at 60 mph. It carries a fragmentation warhead effective against soft-skinned vehicles and groups of personnel, and the drone can dive vertically into trenches and foxholes. The Switchblade 300 also has a wave-off function that allows the pilot to cancel an attack at the last second after getting a close-up look at the target. This is the most effective Kamikaze drone that Ukraine has, superior to anything they have made for themselves in this sub-category. Ukraine wants more of them than the US can produce and begs to build them under license. It is thought Ukraine is trying to illegally reverse-engineer the technology.
========
Switchblade 600

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: USA | Wingspan: About 6 feet | Flight time: Over 40 minutes | Top speed: 115 mph | Powerplant: Electric

The Switchblade 600 is a scaled-up version of the 300 that weighs six times more—about 33 pounds. The new drone was first used by the US in 2021 and carries a powerful warhead similar to the one on a Javelin anti-tank missile that can kill anything including heavy tanks. And its relatively long range—about 25 miles—should make it effective against Russian artillery. Small numbers have been sent to Ukraine for combat testing within the last couple of months; there are no confirmed uses so far. Ukraine reportedly wants 1000 of them (per month).

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 11:08 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE, PART XXIV
Phoenix Ghost

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: USA | Wingspan: N/A | Flight Time: 6 hours | Top speed: N/A | Power plant: Electric

This spring, the Pentagon announced that it would send 121 units of a previously unknown long-range drone to Ukraine: the Phoenix Ghost. It’s so new that analysts know little about it. The Ghost can take off vertically and carry a warhead capable of destroying everything short of heavy tanks (and if it hits one of those, it will cause some damage, particularly if it hits the engine deck). This warhead, along with a flight time that’s expected to be around 6 hours, should make it a very effective weapon against Russian artillery, headquarters, and frontline air defense systems. Ukraine has asked for 1000 to be sent this year.

By Steve Cole (Stevecole) on Monday, October 05, 2026 - 11:10 pm: Edit

THE DRONES OF UKRAINE PART XXV
WB Group Warmate

Operator: Ukraine | Made in: Poland and Ukraine | Wingspan: 4.5 feet | Flight time: 50 minutes | Top speed: 50 mph | Power plant: Electric

These fixed-wing aircraft are made in Poland and then fitted with Ukrainian anti-tank or fragmentation warheads. The drones have a range of 20 miles, and unlike many loitering munitions, they can return to base for reuse if the operator fails to locate a target. This weapon is an EU design that is superior to Ukrainian drones. Ukraine buys every single one that comes out of the Polish factory and wants to invest in expanding the factory.