The Finnish technology company Insta has announced the launch of the Insta Steel Eagle ER (Extended Range) drone, specifically designed and tested for operational use in Ukraine. This new drone incorporates an explosive charge developed by Insta, while a partner company in Ukraine provided the necessary drone components. Currently, the system is available in Ukraine, and there are plans for potential marketing in Europe and NATO countries in the near future.
The Insta Steel Eagle ER operates as a flying directional explosive charge, engineered for deployment in demanding environments. This enhanced model boasts an extended range and increased payload capacity compared to its predecessor, making it more effective and cost-efficient in combat scenarios. The drone is capable of transporting an explosive charge to an optimal altitude above its target before initiating detonation.
One of the significant features of the explosive charge includes the dispersal of steel or tungsten balls, which are designed to scatter over a wide area, affecting approximately 2,000 square meters (21,527 square feet) with over 3,000 fragments. The total weight of the explosive charge is 3.6 kilograms (7.9 pounds).
Finland has been actively involved in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities, particularly in the realm of drone technology. Last year, Finnish company Summa Defence collaborated with Ukrainian enterprises to establish a drone manufacturing facility in Finland, aiming to enhance drone production capabilities for Ukraine while also scaling operations in Finland and other European nations. This initiative is expected to see production commencing in the first half of this year.
Additionally, in response to the ongoing conflict following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland has significantly increased its defense spending by more than 70 percent, reaching a total of 2 billion euros (approximately $2.2 billion). This investment reflects Finland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and enhancing its own defense infrastructure.
