Ukrainian Armed Forces have bolstered their defensive capabilities with the recent acquisition of advanced tactical unmanned aerial systems from Khmelnytskyi, a western city in Ukraine. This latest shipment comprises 30 DJI Matrice 4T quadcopters, complete with controllers and deployment kits, representing significant support amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Valued at approximately 5.5 million hryvnias, equivalent to about $129,910, the funding for this initiative was sourced from the local government, as confirmed by Khmelnytskyi Mayor Oleksandr Symchyshyn. The DJI Matrice 4T drones, each measuring around 31 centimeters (12 inches) in length and weighing approximately 1,400 grams (3 pounds), are equipped with a payload capacity of 200 grams (0.4 pounds) and feature propellers that are 29 centimeters (11 inches) long.
These drones are engineered for high performance, boasting a service ceiling of 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) and a range of 35 kilometers (22 miles). At a speed of 21 meters per second (approximately 69 feet per second), they offer an operational flight time of up to 49 minutes, essential for reconnaissance missions.
Khmelnytskyi has consistently played a pivotal role in supporting the Ukrainian military since the onset of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine in 2022. The city has focused primarily on providing autonomous systems tailored for reconnaissance.
In December of last year, prior to this latest donation, Khmelnytskyi supplied the military with 25 DJI Matrice 4Ts, valued at 2.5 million hryvnias ($106,290), followed shortly by an additional 20 units worth 3.6 million hryvnias ($85,032) within the same month.
Moreover, in a collective effort to enhance the military’s aerial capabilities, the state-owned Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant collaborated with the neighboring city of Shepetivka in April 2025 to deliver over 200 drones of various types to support the armed forces. This collaboration illustrates the commitment of local entities to bolster Ukraine’s defense against external threats.
