A Ukrainian defense technology company has unveiled a fixed-wing kamikaze drone capable of hitting targets up to 200 kilometers away, as Kiev accelerates efforts to develop domestically produced combat systems.
Nicknamed “Bucea”, the new drone model was presented by UFORCE at the Arsenal of Talents defense technology fair, according to the specialized publication Militarnyi.
The company's engineers say the system is designed for frontline flexibility, being designed to seamlessly switch between multiple communication channels, including Starlink, depending on battlefield conditions.
The drone is designed to operate in coordinated swarms using a mesh network approach. In each group, a single device can function as a relay node, carrying an additional battery in place of a warhead, to extend communication range and maintain contact with attack drones.
Unlike many other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Bucea is launched from a compact rail system using a powder cartridge, not a traditional pneumatic catapult. Each drone carries a 5.5-kilogram warhead, and developers say a single operator — or a small crew — can control multiple drones.
A preloaded multi-device launcher allows for staggered takeoffs, and operators can connect to each drone during flight, the developers explained.
The system is currently in the testing phase, with flight tests underway, and the next step is combat testing. Preliminary estimates indicate a cost of $10,000–$12,000 per unit, depending on the communications configuration.
A lighter and more streamlined version of the drone, with a 3.5-kilogram warhead and a range of 100–120 kilometers, is already nearing deployment. This variant has entered production and has already been used in actual combat operations.
UFORCE develops autonomous systems on land, air and sea, adapting battle-tested technologies for allied militaries. The company's portfolio includes naval drones, attack UAVs and anti-drone systems, which have flown more than 150,000 missions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
CEO Oleh Rohinski highlighted the practical design of drones developed by the company: The systems are designed specifically for real combat conditions, where access to high-performance Western weapons may be limited. “The experience of understanding what doesn't work in Western systems is extremely valuable to our partners”he declared.
In early March, UFORCE reached a market value of over $1 billion. The company brought together nine domestic defense firms and attracted $50 million worth of investment from renowned investment funds.
