When China began to restrict the import of its commercial drones to Kyiv, Ukraine’s indigenous industry stepped in, producing analogs comparable in size and capability.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv’s war-fighting strategy has evolved to heavily incorporate drones. Across all spectrums of warfare, the Ukrainians have grown to rely on drones—reconnaissance, air defense, long-range strike, and so on—in a way that might shock early observers of the war.
To facilitate the increased reliance on drones, Ukraine has shifted its procurement strategy from importing Turkey’s TB2 Bayraktar and commercial purchase of DJI Mavic to wide-scale domestic production. The following five drones are the most commonly used domestic UAVs in Ukraine’s arsenal: the Sting, Mavic Analogs, Spectator M-1, Dragon, and REBOFF.
The Sting Drone
The Sting is a domestically produced FPV interceptor drone that the Ukrainians designed to shoot down Russian loitering munitions like the Lancet and Shahed. Capable of hitting top speeds over 160 km/hr (99 mph), the Sting is a relatively low-cost and agile defender against Russian UAVs. Highly maneuverable and equipped with precise targeting capabilities, the Sting can intercept enemy drone attacks mid-air with a roughly 90 percent success rate.
Ukraine’s Analog to China’s DJI Mavic
Early in the war, Ukraine relied on the commercially available DJI Mavic, often rigged to drop grenades, with satisfactory results. So, when China began to restrict the import of the Mavic to Kyiv, Ukraine’s indigenous industry stepped in, producing analogs comparable in size and capability to the DJI Mavic 3—only with improvements in battlefield survivability and electronic warfare resistance. Equipped with a 30x zoom optical camera and a flight range of up to 40 km (24 miles), the Mavic analogs are used for surveillance and artillery spotting. Compact and affordable, the drone densely populates the front lines.
The Spectator M-1 Drone
Built for tactical reconnaissance, the fixed-wing Spectator M-1 is capable of conducting extended-range intelligence gathering. With a flight range of up to 200 km (124 miles) and a flight duration of over 3 hours, the Spectator can provide Ukrainian forces with essential battlefield data. With advanced camera systems and encrypted comms links, the Spectator permits real-time intelligence transmission, even in contested airspace. Stealthy and lightweight, the Spectator is quite difficult for enemy radar to detect.
The Dragon Drone
The Dragon is used for frontline strikes. Capable of deploying a thermite incendiary charge, the Dragon can effectively destroy light vehicles, bunkers, and camouflaged installations. Referred to as the “Dragon” because of the fire-starting nature of the thermite charge, the drone typically operates in FPV mode and can deliver its payload with pinpoint precision. Remarkably, the Dragon is typically built by grassroots volunteer groups, utilizing crowdfunding and DIY engineering techniques. The drone has proven adept at disrupting enemy logistics and fortifications.
The REBOFF Drone
What makes REBOFF drones distinct is that they are guided by fiber-optic cables. The benefit of such a design is that REBOFF drones are virtually immune to Russian jamming or GPS spoofing efforts. As a result, the drones can operate in high-interference zones, delivering explosive payloads directly to enemy positions with great accuracy. Capable of delivering its payload over ranges of several kilometers, the REBOFF is a valuable asset in contested areas where Russian electronic warfare efforts are intense. Typically launched from secure positions, the REBOFF follows a direct, wired path to its target, earning its keep as a prized tool in Ukraine’s burgeoning drone arsenal.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a Senior Defense and National Security Writer at The National Interest. Kass is an attorney and former political candidate who joined the US Air Force as a pilot trainee before being medically discharged. He focuses on military strategy, aerospace, and global security affairs. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global Journalism and International Relations from NYU.
Image: Shutterstock / Parilov.
