Ukraine unveils drone similar to smaller version of Shahed

Ukraine has publicly unveiled a strike drone that looks like a smaller version of the Iranian Shahed drone.

The relevant photos were published by the Office of the President.

The presentation took place during the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Ukraine on December 2, 2024.

“The exhibition featured domestically produced drones, as well as those created in Ukraine in cooperation with German companies. In particular, one of the drones uses artificial intelligence target acquisition systems manufactured by German companies. Another one is the result of the work of a localized German company that has opened a center in Ukraine for the production and maintenance of already delivered equipment,” the President’s Office said.

In particular, the exhibition featured a new “flying wing” kamikaze drone that looks like a smaller version of the Iranian Shahed UAV.

The specifications of this product have not been disclosed, but based on the photo, it can be concluded that the drone is equipped with an electric motor, antennas for communication with the operator, and a fixed video sensor.

This configuration indicates that this is probably not a long-range drone for infrastructure damage, but a kamikaze for destroying targets “tens” of kilometers deep into enemy territory.

This UAV, thus, probably falls into the niche of the Russian Lancet or Polish Warmate 3.0. However, the presence of only a small, rigidly mounted camera may indicate limited optical navigation capabilities. It indicates the ability to homing in the final area rather than to search for targets independently.

The physical dimensions suggest that the UAV can carry a warhead weighing at least several kilograms.

In addition to UAVs, ground robotic systems and a drone swarm control system were also demonstrated to the leaders.

In 2024, German drone manufacturer Quantum-Systems launched a plant in Ukraine to produce Vector unmanned systems.

The Ukrainian plant of Quantum-Systems began the operations in the spring of 2024 and is already producing Vector reconnaissance drones for the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.