Solutions to win: Ukrainian defense factories begin producing FPV combat drones

Three Ukrainian state factories have already started production of FPV drones, the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine announced.

What is the problem?

The Ukrainian military increasingly uses FPV drones on the front, so many have begun to manufacture such devices and teach people how to assemble and operate them. These drones are controlled through special glasses with a first-person view. The acronym FPV: First Person View speaks for itself.

These drones can carry up to 1.5 kg of explosives at a distance of up to 8 kilometers without a repeater. With a useful weight, the drone develops a speed of up to 60 kilometers per hour. Such quadcopters can destroy light equipment and manpower without endangering the Ukrainian military.

The sports FPV drone is more maneuverable because it can't hang in the air and moves at high speed. Because of this, it is much more difficult to detect and shoot it down. Drones are made from Chinese spare parts. The cost of the "bird" is about $400.

What is the solution?

Three state defense plants in Ukraine have already started production of FPV drones. "Now we are training staff there and working on establishing the procurement of components. I cannot disclose details for security reasons," said Yaroslav Oliinyk, adviser to the minister on strategic industries.

How does it work?

Oliinyk also presented five key steps to achieve significant production results. First, he believes preference should always be given to the Ukrainian manufacturer.

"In the general concept of the Ukrainian defense industry development, which Minister Kamyshin spoke about, we should be guided by economic nationalism. Ukrainian manufacturers are put forward," the minister's adviser stressed.

He said the ministry is working to scale and develop the Ukrainian UAV market. They are looking for ways of partnership between state and private manufacturers, localizing the production of components in Ukraine, and cooperating with international investors, funds, and manufacturers.

Rubryka reported that the 10th model of the FPV drone has already been officially put into operation in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

A project to produce kamikaze drones for the Armed Forces was also launched in the Donetsk region.