Ukraine Employs Autonomous ULTRA Cargo Drones for Military Operations

Ukraine operates British Windracers Uncrewed Low Cost Transport (ULTRA) cargo drones.

According to Janes sources, the Ukrainian military has been using ULTRA UAVs since 2023.

“UAV has been conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and supporting resupply for the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2023,” the report said.

The CEO of Windracers did not specify the quantity of ULTRA drones provided to Ukraine.

“The UK Ministry of Defence procured the aircraft on behalf of the Ukrainian armed forces, supplying it as aid,” the publication stated.

A source told the Janes that ULTRA purchases are part of a UK support programme of £325M ($413M).

ULTRA is a powerful UAV with a maximum takeoff weight of 450 kg and an internal cargo compartment of 100 kg.

According to the company, a set of sensors for reconnaissance can be placed in the compartment.

“ULTRA is capable of carrying a payload of 100 kg at a distance of up to 1000 km,” the developers explained.

Windracers emphasized the autonomous capabilities of the system, saying that it allows UAVs to perform missions at night. The drone is capable of working for more than 12 hours.

“Windracers drones fly autonomously, they are controlled by our Masterless autopilot system,” the developers add.

The Masterless system is designed and patented by Distributed Avionics, a subsidiary that also provides UAV communications from anywhere.