Ukraine’s drone makers are boosting frontline firepower with a new first-person view (FPV) drone designed for heavier payloads.
Developed by Ptashka Drones, the 18-inch (46-centimeter) platform is reportedly the first of its size to enter full mass production in Ukraine.
Test footage shows the drone carrying various munitions, proving it can handle real combat weight with ease.
The upsized airframe lets operators pack larger warheads, giving units the ability to strike fortified positions and high-value targets that smaller FPV drones often struggle to reach.
At present, most Ukrainian units still rely on 15-inch (38-centimeter) FPV drones, typically fitted with standard charges, grenade launchers, or improvised small-arms payloads.
Staying Airborne Longer
The bigger frame also supports a larger battery and fiber-optic coil, boosting flight time, stability, and operational range.
Within its 5-kilometer (3-mile) operational window, pilots can circle targets, probe defenses, and remain airborne longer before committing to a strike.
Ptashka Drones positions the heavy-lift FPV as a force multiplier, complementing Ukraine’s existing fleet rather than replacing smaller drones.
