Today is my favourite day of the week, because it’s when I update you on the latest developments in drone warfare in Ukraine and Russia. This weekly report is intentionally concise — just two pages, and I make sure it never gets longer.
It contains the following sections:
aerial drones;
ground drones;
naval drones;
C-UAS;
cooperation deals;
related geopolitical developments.
Check the earlier reports here.
Don’t forget to read my recent report on Ukraine-South Korea defence cooperation.
Aerial Drones
Ukraine revealed a Behemoth strike drone capable of striking targets 300 km away. It carries a 75-kg tandem warhead that combines an explosively formed penetrator with a thermobaric charge.
Ukraine approved the UB82D drone (by Ukrainian Armor) on a 10-inch frame, featuring an integrated 82 mm mortar round.
Ukrainian SKIFTECH developed the “Reflex — Minus Drone” VR simulator for countering FPV drones, based on battlefield experience.
According to Ukraine’s HUR, Russia plans to produce 110,000 Shahed-type drones, decoys, and other long-range UAVs in 2026. By the end of the year, daily output could reach 450 units, increasing to around 500 long-range drones per day—including decoys—during the first months of 2027.
Reported characteristics of the Hornet drone (by Swift Beat) designed to disrupt Russian logistics at 50–150 km: