Inside Ukrainian special operations technology

BLUF:  SOF troops are grinding down Russia’s logistical advantage in the war by using innovative modified drones to hit supply routes and military infrastructure on land and at sea. Some units are also taking things up a notch by using American ENVG-B goggles for night operations.

In other news, NORDA Dynamics has secured $150,000 in investments. Lviv will host the Eurodefense Tech Hackathon from May 22 to 25. DOT-Chain Defence, a new procurement system that will ramp up Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities, is scheduled for launch in approximately one month. 

Ambassador to the U.K. Valerii Zaluzhnyi said the technological cycle, which involves developing new products to replace retiring ones, for miltech will last no more than three to five years.

THE BIG STORY: How Ukraine’s SOF is using cutting-edge tech against Russia

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) have solidified their reputation as an elite force by weakening Russia’s war machine. They’re involved in missions behind enemy lines to sabotage critical logistics arteries – destroying specialized equipment, mining bridges, and setting up ambushes.

These missions would likely be impossible without the new strike and reconnaissance drones used to conduct aerial missions. Night vision and thermal imaging are also crucial for operations carried out under darkness, while other systems provide vital naval capabilities.

Targeting Russian logistics with modified drones

SOF has a variety of drones for each specific task. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions rely on one type of drone, while units also customize their drones to fit specific missions.

One example is the RQ-35 Heidrun, a fixed-wing UAV developed by Denmark-based Sky-Watch. It’s designed for quick deployment, low acoustic and visual signatures, landing within a 12.5-meter radius, and minimal infrastructure requirements. This means it can be launched by hand, a big advantage when there is no time to deploy a full system. 

The RQ-35 drone has been fine-tuned based on feedback from Ukrainian users, Serhii Sanevych, managing director of the Ukrainian office of Sky-Watch, told Counteroffensive.Pro. 

The latest version of RQ-35 has a camera with up to 80x zoom and a thermal imaging sensor. This setup allows for surveillance, target identification, and support for precision-guided strikes, both day and night.

"It has proven effective in target detection, thanks to its thermal camera, which can identify equipment by its heat signature even when camouflaged. For example, it can detect the residual heat from an engine or a tank barrel that remains hot for some time after firing," one member of the SOF community, who has operated the RQ-35, told Counteroffensive.Pro. He requested anonymity due to safety concerns. 

The RQ-35 is a tactical-level drone that operates with a range of up to 25 kilometers. Ukraine received the drones as part of military aid packages from Germany, and they are currently in use by the SOF and Territorial Defense Forces. 

The 108th Territorial Defense Brigade, for example, used an RQ-35 to locate Russian logistics points, before targeting them with artillery and FPV drones.

In some cases, SOF drones have also been outfitted with thermobaric payloads to maximize destruction. For instance, Ukrainian drone maker Zli Ptakhy developed a small strike drone called Backfire.

The fixed-wing drone is designed for deep penetration missions of up to 140 km. Equipped with a payload capacity of up to 6 kg, the ‘bomber’ drone can carry a variety of ordnance:

• two 60 mm mortar shells;

• 18-22 grenades for launchers; and

• custom munition, for instance, with a thermobaric warhead.

Units usually use the Backfire drone to target stationary objects, choosing the correct payload for each mission. The primary approach is a ‘hit-and-run’ tactic, said Anton Eine, head of marketing at Zli Ptakhy. Crews launch the drone from one place, then move to avoid being hit. The drone then returns to a different location where operators collect it. 

Sometimes Ukrainian defense forces have to improvise to hit their targets, however. If their first attempt isn’t successful, they can quickly change the payload and launch the drone again. 

“After a mission over an occupied city, the team reviewed the footage and spotted a parked Russian military truck,” Eine added. “They quickly reprogrammed the drone – this time with mines – and sent it back. It hit the truck squarely... It didn’t drive away again.”

Next-gen optics give SOF the upper hand in the dark

Night operations are an essential part of SOF activities. Their effectiveness depends heavily on advanced optical systems. These technologies provide necessary visibility and tactical advantages, enabling operators to navigate and identify targets in complete darkness. 

In January, the UA_REG TEAM, a Ukrainian special operations unit, showcased the capabilities of the American Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular (ENVG-B) system developed by L3Harris Technologies for the U.S. Army. 

This binocular is wirelessly connected with an infrared weapon sight. Together, this allows soldiers to display the weapon sight reticle directly in their goggles. 

Ukrainian SOF declined a request for comment on the use of the ENVG-B due to the sensitive nature of the technology.

BUSINESS LUNCH TOPICS: What our reporting shows!

1. Zaluzhnyi: Miltech cycles only three years, five years max

Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.K. Valerii Zaluzhnyi gave a sweeping overview of the technological revolution now taking place in Ukraine due to Russia's invasion. In his view, the technological cycle for miltech will last no more than three to five years – meaning a constant churn of new tech to match enemy counter-innovation.

The very nature of military power has shifted, the general said during the UK-UA Defense Tech Forum in London. Innovation and technological adaptability are now key to battlefield success, he said, with electronic warfare probably the “most important” sector. The speed of innovation is closely aligned with the ability to win the war, he added.

2. When/how the MoD’s DOT-Chain Defence System will work

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense will launch the new system for the procurement and supply of drones, Dot-Chain Defence System, in late May or early June. 

This system aims to accelerate the supply of drones while also addressing military needs. Its basic functionality is already ready for launch, said Volodymyr Chugai, head of the product management department at the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT). 

But before the system can officially be launched, all related resolutions and orders related to defense procurement must be finalized, he explained, including Cabinet of Ministers resolution № 1275, which regulates procurement during wartime. 

The process of procurement will start with the brigades, which will select and order drones according to their annual budget. The Defense Procurement Agency will then contract these drones, and they will be supplied to the brigades. Initially, unmanned aerial vehicles will be available on the platform, with ground drones, control stations, and electronic warfare equipment to come later.

"In the first iterations of DOT-Chain Defence, only those manufacturers who the Defense Procurement Agency already contracts will be included. In the future, we plan to expand access so that absolutely all manufacturers whose products are codified can place their products on the platform," Chugai told Counteroffensive.Pro.

Giving marketplace access to non-codified products is also under consideration, Chugai said, though this raises questions about testing and operational safety. 

3. NORDA Dynamics secured a $150,000 investment with Angel One Fund

Ukrainian startup NORDA Dynamics, which develops autonomous navigation systems for drones in areas where GPS signals are disrupted, has raised $150,000 in syndicate funding from Angel One Fund, founded by the Ukrainian Catholic University. 

“The investment will allow us to complete the MVP [minimum viable product] of autonomous middle/deepstrike [systems] and accelerate the scaling of products on the frontline,” said Nazar Bigun, co-founder and CEO at NORDA Dynamics. “We are planning to develop our own hardware, and these funds will partially help with this.”

Under the syndicate agreement, Angel One acted as an intermediary between NORDA Dynamics and investors who provided $150,000, Ivan Petrenko, managing partner of the fund, told Counteroffensive.Pro. 

One of NORDA Dynamics’ main products is 'Underdog,' a last-mile targeting system enabling drones to autonomously aim and hit their target even in the face of signal jamming. The primary task of investors for NORDA Dynamics is to enhance the effectiveness of their product and increase the number of targets achieved.

4. Seido Tactix develops a remote control monitor to shoot behind cover 

The newly established Ukrainian startup Seido Tactix is developing a shooting system that enables soldiers to fire from behind cover, reducing the risk to life. The system consists of a camera mounted on a weapon and a wireless transmitter that transfers the image to a monocular or monitor mounted on an arm or body armor.

The system operates at a minimum power of approximately 25 milliwatt and transmits video over a short distance of up to 1.5 meters (from a rifle to a monocular). This makes the system resistant to EW, explained Alex Lipskyi, CEO and co-founder at Seido Tactix. However, it has not yet been tested under jamming.

The product has already been tested by the Khartiia brigade of the National Guard and the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. The final version with full functionality is expected to be released by the end of June. After that, the developers plan to obtain certification for centralized unit delivery.

They later plan to implement the transition to digital broadcasting and add a backlit moving-target detection function, which enhances focus under stress. The system will also support streaming images to a phone or laptop, allowing an entire group to coordinate.

5. The Eurodefense Tech Hackathon will take place in Lviv next month

Lviv will host the Eurodefense Tech Hackathon from May 22 to 25. The European Defense Tech HUB is organizing the event in collaboration with the Third Assault Brigade. More than 100 hackers from the European Union and Ukraine will develop new ideas to resolve issues directly from the military, said Larysa Visengeriyeva, co-organizer of the hackathon and CEO of Women in Defense Tech.

The general topic of the hackathon will be AI technologies, including ‘llast-mile’ targeting and navigation in GPS-disrupted environments. Teams not focused on AI can also attend the event, however. 

“Our goal is to get this solution, idea, or prototype to R&D as quickly as possible, directly, without incubators or accelerators, or ecosystems, so that it can go straight to the R&D of the Third Brigade,” Visengeriyeva told Counteroffensive.Pro.

Here is the link to participate.

Ukrainian orders/legislation we’re tracking: 

By: Oksana Zabolotna

Extension of Martial Law and Mobilization 

Law: No. № 4357-IX and № 4356-IX dated 16 April 2025  

Stage: entered into force on April 16, 2025 

Initiator: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Link to Defense Tech: 

This will provide another boost to the development of the defense-industrial complex, promoting continued private investment in weapons development and technology, including innovation. It will also enable the application of innovative developments in real combat conditions. 

Why It’s Important: 

• provides the state with the necessary legal framework and allows for the mobilization of human and material resources essential for continuing the war and developing the defense-industrial complex; 

• contributes to maintaining stability and security amid the full-scale invasion. 

Proposals: 

• extension of martial law and mobilization for three months, until Aug. 6, 2025; 

• obligates the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform the UN Secretary-General and foreign state officials about the extension of martial law in Ukraine and the corresponding restrictions on human and civil rights, which constitute a deviation from Ukraine's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.  

Latest Moves: Drafts of the law were supported by 346 MPs, 11 did not vote, 1 abstained 1 and only one was against.

ON THE MOVE: Professional movement, promotions and industry news.

Know someone in the defense tech space who has made a professional move? Drop us a line at [email protected]! 

• Mario Gianni Garcia founded Armada Defense Solutions, a company that bridges innovation with real-life application on the battlefield and distributes military equipment and technologies.

• Daria Verbytska became a co-founder and executive director of the newly founded Molfar Intelligence Institute, which focuses on OSINT education and technology products linked to intelligence and security. She is also the head of public relations at Molfar OSINT agency.

• Retired Ukrainian Colonel Hennadiy Kovalenko started a new position as the director of Ukraine’s office at Edge Autonomy, a company that designs and manufactures autonomous technology systems. Previously, Kovalenko headed the Department of International Defense Cooperation at the MoD.

30 SECOND ELEVATOR PITCH:

Phantom Technology designed the ground drone ‘Teslia.’ The startup has been working since 2023 and was incorporated in March 2024. During this time, the company completed development of the first and second modifications of the ground platform. The MoD codified the ‘Teslia’ ground drone in February. 

Currently, the startup is seeking $200,000 in investments to scale up production of ‘Teslia’ and to purchase spare components to maintain a stock of available drones in the warehouse. 

“Our main goal is to make as many cheap and quality drones as possible. We are ready to sell ten percent of our company to the investor for that purpose,” said Mykhailo Fanta, CEO of Phantom Technology.

MUST READS:

• Brave1 and the Ministry of Digital Transformation launched ‘Brave1 Market’ for the military. Units can purchase aerial and ground drones, electronic warfare systems, spare parts, software, and ammunition.

• The top eight Ukrainian UAV manufacturers generated approximately $150 million in net profit last year, according to DataDriven analysis. 

• Russia is believed to be preparing to integrate a large number of motorcycles into offensive operations for the upcoming summer and fall. The move is likely an attempt to offset Ukraine's drone capabilities, ISW reports.

• Ukraine’s government simplified the procedure for importing explosives for manufacturers who do not have existing state contracts, announced Herman Smetanin, Minister of Strategic Industries.

• Ukrainian drone maker Skyeton tested the Raybird drone with a hydrogen fuel cell. Engineers are now focused on developing a new fuselage architecture tailored for hydrogen integration.

• U.S. drone makers are critically dependent on Chinese components, according to Forbes, with China controlling nearly 90 percent of the global commercial drone market and its components.

• Poland has unveiled a sea drone designed by WB Group. The Polish military now aims to create a hundred thousand drones (aerial, ground, and naval) with the ability to produce millions more. 

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