In a significant move to enhance its drone capabilities in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has developed an upgraded version of the Chinese-made Mavic drone following restrictions imposed by Beijing on its exports. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation, highlighted that three newly developed Ukrainian drones, resembling the Mavic models, are already operational on the front lines. These drones are engineered to meet NATO standards, addressing concerns over performance and reliability.
Originally designed for personal and commercial use, the Mavic drone, produced by China’s DJI, has gained prominence in combat operations. However, last year, China implemented restrictions on the export of crucial drone components such as motors, batteries, and flight controllers, which has led to supply shortages for Ukraine at a critical time in the conflict. Furthermore, the high attrition rates reported by Ukrainian forces, with some units suffering losses of up to five Mavics per day, have intensified the urgency for local alternatives.
Fedorov emphasized the popularity of Mavic drones on the battlefield due to their simplicity, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. He noted the challenges associated with importing these drones, making the development of a Ukrainian equivalent a priority for Kyiv.
The newly designed Ukrainian drones incorporate several advanced features, including integrated communication systems, automatic landing capabilities, and a “return to home” function. Notably, sources indicate that these Ukrainian systems are more resistant to Russian electronic warfare tactics than their Chinese counterparts.
Among the new drones is the Shmavik, developed by Reactive Drone. It boasts a flight duration of up to one hour, a range of 9.3 miles (14.9 kilometers), and can carry a payload of up to 2.2 pounds (0.9 kilograms). Another model, the Ukropter, created by Bravery Invest, offers a higher payload capacity of over 4 pounds, a maximum speed of 46 miles (74 kilometers) per hour, and a flight time of up to 60 minutes. In comparison, the latest version of the Chinese Mavic drone has a similar speed but falls short in payload capacity, with a flight endurance of about 46 minutes.
Additionally, the ZOOM drone, produced by Frontline, is positioned as a potential alternative to the Mavic. This drone features a visual navigation module that allows it to operate autonomously without direct input from an operator. It can reach altitudes of 200 meters (656 feet) and includes automated functions for takeoff and landing.
As Ukraine continues to address the challenges posed by export restrictions and high operational costs, the development of these homegrown drones symbolizes a strategic pivot towards enhancing its military capabilities on the battlefield.
