Ukrainian drone maker JET has unveiled its latest bomber drone with multi-strike capability, built to hit enemy troops, communication lines, and tactical equipment behind the frontline.
Named JET MAX, the drone can carry up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of payload, including two heavy warheads for armored targets or buildings, or eight smaller projectiles to engage lightly armored vehicles and personnel.
Depending on the payload, it flies at 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour and can climb up to 80 kilometers (49.7 miles), with a maximum flight endurance of 40 minutes.
To counter electronic warfare, the drone uses a channel-hopping navigation system that maintains control even under interference or signal disruption.
A two-person crew consisting of a main operator and a co-pilot can ready JET MAX for takeoff in just 10 minutes using a locally-built control station.
“We have quite a deep localization. We manufacture component parts — bodies, frames and mounts. And we can quickly scale up this production,” said company technical director Olena Kurta, as quoted by Ukrainska Pravda.
Shifting Battlefield Demands
JET MAX was reportedly developed to respond to evolving battlefield needs, as engineers recognized the demand for drones that can carry more munitions.
“We are already seeing a trend where FPV (first-person view) drones with 7- and 8-inch frames no longer occupy the same market space as before,” a company representative said. “On the frontline, drones now need to deliver larger combat payloads to the enemy.”
The JET MAX bomber drone is now undergoing codification ahead of its anticipated deployment on the frontline.
