Mounting shotguns, nets, even sticks – on FPV drones

BLUF: Hitting enemies with FPV interceptor drones is expensive. A cheaper way is to install a barrel under the drone so it can destroy multiple drones. HIMERA announces new products in ecosystem of encrypted equipment, and Sky Defenders are in the final stage of testing drone-interceptor ZigZag. Meanwhile, Ukrainian defense procurement changes are stuck in a conflict between governmental cabinets.  

THE BIG STORY: Ukrainians test FPV drones with firearms to counter Russian drones

One of the latest inventions that appeared on the Russian-Ukrainian battlefield at the end of December were drones with integrated firearms – in particular, with shotguns. Ukrainian engineers and enthusiasts were the first ones to develop these.

Despite being an experiment, these FPV drones could become an effective solution against Mavic-type drones, argued Ukrainian soldier Hlib, an enthusiast in FPV drone engineering. What do we know about this invention and does it have any future?

How does an FPV drone with a shotgun work?

In the past, Ukrainian soldiers have tried mounting a rifle or a grenade launcher on a drone. 

In May 2024 the 102nd Territorial defense Brigade used a drone with a mounted machine gun. It was used not against other drones, but Russians on the ground. A drone with a grenade launcher was also made by engineers of Aerodynamics, a Ukrainian startup that produces drones. 

However, their product didn't reach military testing due to bureaucratic obstacles, said Oleksandr Belinsky, head of Aerodynamics production department. They weren’t able to get permission from MoD to test a grenade launcher with a warhead on a military range. 

The first video of FPV drone that used a shotgun against a drone appeared on December 27th. It was published by Ukrainian Charity fund of Lesia UA which is founded by S.T.A.L.K.E.R game developer Serhii Hryhorovich and his wife Lesia Hryhorovich. 

On the video, a Ukrainian drone with a shotgun destroyed another drone by firing buckshot. According to Lesia UA, Ukrainian soldiers are now testing this invention, but the fund declined to tell more about it.

But Lesia UA is not the only group that develops drones with a mounted shotgun. It is also developed by the drone manufacturer Wild Hornets. 

Currently, Wild Hornets is testing a few different kinds of these drones, explained developer Vyacheslav. He asked not to mention his surname for security reasons.

This latest development was initiated by Ukrainian soldiers who mounted the weapon on the Queen of Hornets, a big FPV drone which is produced by his company. 

Standard 7-inch frame drones can't carry heavy weapons, so usually guns are integrated with large FPV drones, Vyacheslav explained. This drone has a 15-inch frame, 18 kg payload capacity, and 25 km operating range. 

Now, developers have picked up on this trend and are developing their own version of an armed drone. These drones definitely will not use a full-sized shotgun, but a barrel, Vyacheslav explained.

"It's not exactly a shotgun but our own development which is more compact and light. We don't need to mount an entire shotgun. We attached, let's say, a barrel with a charge from which the shot is fired", said Vyacheslav. He did not specify whether bullets or shrapnel are used in their technology.

Are FPV drones with firearms effective? 

At the moment, it’s hard to make a conclusion about the effectiveness of drones with shotguns, said Vyacheslav. The manufacturer doesn’t have enough resources to concentrate only on this development, so experiments and testing have yielded only limited data for now.

But the main downsides of such mounted-firearm drones are already clear:

• Drone stabilization – the larger the caliber, the greater the recoil;

• Accuracy and small time window for operator reaction to strike; 

• Dependence on luck and operator skills.

An FPV drone with an automatic rifle is more effective than a single-shot grenade launcher or shotgun — because of the magazine and bigger number of shots. Still, it would be tough for a bigger and heavier shotgun drone with 15” frame to aim and hit a smaller, speedy and maneuverable FPV drone with 7” frame. 

So the main target for FPV drones with a shotgun are bigger Mavic-type drones, especially quadcopters that are used as bombers. These drones are slower and less maneuverable. Bombers also have to fly closer to Ukrainian tranches, said Hlib, an enthusiast in FPV drone engineering. A FPV drone with a firearm will be the most effective in areas, where it is known that Russians are regularly active there. It will be easier to detect the drone and to prepare to shoot it down. 

Other weapon-equipped drones, and Russian developments

Russia has also repeatedly tested drones with mounted weapons, but mainly against ground targets. Russians have the Vyatka drone, which is equipped with an automatic rifle. Test footage shows that each shot pushes the drone back. So it faces similar challenges: recoil problems and concerns about accuracy. 

This challenge is not as big for another development — the so-called dragon drone (read our coverage on that technology here). Dragon drone is an FPV drone with thermal ammunition attached underneath it to make a flamethrower.

Russians test whether it could be effective in damaging and grounding Ukrainian drones. Ukrainians also use this type of drones, but with a different purpose — to burn out Russian equipment and positions in forests. Now this development is being tested on the battlefield.

In some cases, Russians used just a stick mounted on the drone. The main purpose is to knock down a Ukrainian octocopter that Russians call ‘Baba Yaga’. 

We've found one example of a successful downing of a drone with a stick. 

Alternative solutions to counter drones

Ukrainian developers have alternatives for integrating barrels onto drones. One of them is the development of a net-launcher drone, such as the one done by the Ptashka Drones company.

Such systems work best when integrated on Mavic 3T and Autel drones with thermal cameras, says Yevhen Sukhinin, CEO of that company. 

These drones have good optics which can easily detect the infrared radiation from Mavic sensors. Once the drone is detected, it can be caught by the net.

The wind – and operator skills – are also crucial here. Some potential drawbacks:

• The net has its own sail effect, so strong winds at flying height can blow the net off course. 

• The net system weighs 350 grams, so the drone has a shorter flight time.

• Controlling the net launcher requires additional drone operator training.

• The weight of the net launcher causes balance issues with the drone, so it often lists on the right side (this problem also occurs with other types of ammo).

Currently, this manufacturer is in the process of codifying the net launcher by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. After this, a development may be officially used in the Armed forces.

BUSINESS LUNCH TOPICS: What our reporting shows!

1. Bureaucracy slowing adoption of defense procurement reform

   Ukraine still has not adopted new changes to resolution №1275 on defense procurement which is intended to ease procurement and make market rules clearer. 

   The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine supported some changes to the resolution on December 24th, but only partially. It approved changes in procurement of UAV and EW systems. But some remain unapproved, namely:

   • defining concepts and circumstances of force majeure circumstances. For instance, the contractor is fully released from liability if Russians will attack or sabotage the production line;

   • limiting the maximum penalty that can be levied if the producer is unable to fulfill the contract;

   • removing a demand to pass a new codification process by the Ministry of Defense, if it was codified before March 2023 for EW systems and UAV; and

   • taking into account currency fluctuations in the fulfillment of contract.

   Different Ministries are still in talks about changes and are collecting comments, explained Olha Kalinina, the assistant of MP Halyna Yanchenko, the head of the Temporary Special Commission on Protecting Investor Rights. We will update this as developments occur on this in the future.

2. The Ukrainian intelligence (HUR) revealed details of usage of the ICEYE satellites
   In our previous issue, we covered how electronic warfare between Russia and Ukraine moved to space. In particular, we wrote about how this may affect commercial SAR satellites like those from Finland-based ICEYE, which are used by HUR. 

   Despite the satellite being used by intelligence services, ICEYE remains in charge of the surveillance itself. So HUR cannot assess the possibility of the Russian capabilities on jamming, the Defence Intelligence press office told Counteroffensive Pro.

   However, intelligence agencies continue to use ICEYE images for reconnaissance of Russian targets and in planning of some attacks. This is a relatively small share of all satellite images used by HUR, says its press service. 

   3. Zelenskyy approved new composition of the Interagency Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation and Export Control Policy:

   In January, 2nd president Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved 15 new members of the Commission that is in charge of developing state policy on military cooperation and export control. 

   This panel is in charge of authorization for the right to export/import military goods, establishing cooperation with foreign states, and monitoring compliance with international obligations. The new members of the Commission are:

   • Ivan Havrylyk – First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Chairman of the Commission;

   • Oleh Mozhnyi – First Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, Deputy Chairman of the Commission;

   • Oleksandr Mischenko – Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Deputy Chairman of the Commission

   • Serhii Andrushchenko - First Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine

   • Kostiantyn Brozhko - Deputy Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

   • Oleh Guliak - Director General of the Joint Stock Company “Ukrainian Defense Industry”

   • Oleksandr Zavitnevych - Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence 

   • Vitaliy Kindrativ - Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine

   • Anatolii Klochko - Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine

   • Oleh Lugovsky - First Deputy Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine

   • Volodymyr Mikheev - Deputy Head of the State Space Agency of Ukraine

   • Oleksandr Pavlichenko - Head of the State Export Control Service of Ukraine

   • Serhii Panchenko - Head of the Division for Defense Industrial Complex and Military-Technical Cooperation of the Department for National Security and Defense of the Office of the President of Ukraine

   • Vladyslav Suvorov – Deputy Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine

   • Andriy Tyvonchuk - Head of the Service for Military-Technical Cooperation and the Defense Industry of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Secretary of the Commission

   In November last year, Zelenskyy appointed a new head of the Commission: deputy minister of defense Ivan Havriluik. Havriluik had to propose new members of a Commission. In the last decade of December, old members of the Commission had a closed session, said Tetiana Zelenska, head of media relations at The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. 

   However, members of military producers union Tech Force in UA do not expect immediate changes to export control, even though they worked in individual cases with the Commission.

   “We haven’t worked with them yet. I know these people, but the question is that there is a lack of political will to lift export restrictions. And they can’t do anything with it.” added Serhii Vysotsky, deputy head of the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries (NAUDI), which lobbies on behalf of 66 enterprises. 

   4. HIMERA announced new encrypted communications products

      The Ukrainian company, producing encrypted communications, showed three new elements for G1 PRO tactical radios. Among them is B1 network extender, E1 internet extender and R1 repeater with the function of transmitting radio communications via the Internet.

   

   B1 network extender, E1 internet extender and R1 repeater. Photo provided by HIMERA 

   • B1 is a network extender, which extends the range of the communicators. and can be installed on towers, hills or drones and aerostat. It can double the range of the signal, said Anna Korzh, the head of communications at HIMERA. 

   • E1 is equivalent to a Wi-Fi bridge. This extends a range and power of the internet connection which gives the connection in areas without electricity or where EW is turned on.

   • R1 is a relay with the capability to transmit radio communications and data via the Internet. 

   According to the company, all of these products were tested under the influence of EW on a military range.

   5. Drone interceptor ZigZag from Sky Defenders in final stage of testing

   This Ukrainian startup that produces the kamikaze drone Vyryi M7 developed a fixed-wing drone that can intercept reconnaissance drones and Shahed-type kamikaze drones. 

   The 'ZigZag' drone has these capabilities:

   • Maximum speed – 250 km/h.

   • Range – 60-80 km, depending on accumulator; 

   • 25–35 minutes of flying time;

   • Daytime and nighttime optics.

   Now the company is testing how far out the drone can detect other drones and how effective its warhead is, said Myhailo Zahorodnij, CEO of the company.

In Collaboration with CENTRE UA – Ukrainian orders/legislation we’re tracking: 

Cabinet of Ministers Resolution №1175 on Lobbying

Status: entered into force on October, 17th.

The resolution approves regulations for launching the Transparency Register. This is a mandatory condition for the full implementation of lobbying regulations in Ukraine. 

The register will be maintained by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) in Ukrainian and English. It will include information about:

• The lobbying entity;

• The client or other beneficiary (if lobbying is carried out in commercial interests of the beneficiary according to a lobbying agreement)

• The subject of lobbying;

• The amount of funds received and spent by the lobbying entity in ranges from $2400 to over $235.800 (100,000 UAH to over 10 million UAH);

Ukraine had to launch the Transparency Register no later than January 1, 2025, but for now it has not been launched. The reason is insufficient financial support from partners, said NACP. Members of parliament prepared a draft law №12120 which would postpone the launch till September 1, 2025. It was supported by the parliamentary Committee on Legal Policy and is awaiting a vote in the Verkhovna Rada.

Why it's important: The adoption of the law on lobbying was one of four additional demands of the European Commission, so as to start official negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. 

According to the law on lobbying, a person must register as a lobbying entity if they represent the interests of individuals or companies by influencing state authorities, local self-government bodies, or their officials in their decision-making process. 

Still, there are exceptions: 

• An individual who represents their own interests or the interests of the company they work for.

• A manager or employee who acts within their official duties, for example, when addressing government authorities.

• Participation in public discussions, public events, or submission of proposals for draft regulations.

• Advocacy activities, which means legal assistance within client representation.

• Expression of expert or scientific opinions without intent to lobby decisions in the interests of a specific person.

• Journalistic publications, even if they criticize or support certain government decisions.

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]! 

• Daria Maliar left Frontline, a Ukrainian startup developing drones and AI software. She was the head of Talent Acquisition.

• Ihor Fedirko became CEO at Defence Alliance of Ukraine, a union of Ukrainian defense companies and organizations. He also works as Advisor to the Minister of Strategic Industries. 

• CFC Big Ideas, a communications agency, has announced two new co-CEOs: Iryna Borovets, an experienced diplomat; and Denys Ganzha, who joined the company in 2019.

• Jonas Jarosch became CFO at Quantum Systems Group, a UAV developer.

• Perry Boyle, founder of MITS Capital, an investor in Ukrainian miltech startups, joined the Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence. 

30 SECOND ELEVATOR PITCH:

ZMIYAR creates advanced remote mining systems and smart radio-controlled mines. Their systems provide precise bomb placement at 25 km range. It also retains full control over mine activation through secure communication channels and mapping of the minefield.

“Our technology allows us to create dynamic minefields that can be quickly deployed and deactivated when needed, which is critical for modern combat,” — explains Victor Shapovalov, CEO & Founder of ZMIYAR. 

Now the company is looking for $450,000 in investments to expand production and R&D.

MUST READS:

• Drone maker Hard Cat has developed the Black Widow 2 — a small naval drone for targeting small Russian ships on narrow waterways and on rivers. In particular it was designed for use on the Dnipro river. It can perform real-time reconnaissance and patrols, reaching speeds of 40 km/h and a range of 10 km.

• Ukraine’s Special Operation Forces have received augmented reality night vision devices developed for the US Army, allowing soldiers to see the enemy with an outline.

• Ukraine has developed the shaped-charge landmine PTM-1L which is dropped by drones and uses a magnetic proximity fuze. This type of landmine is activated by the magnetic field generated by a vehicle or other metal object passed nearby.

• The Agency of Defence Procurement is preparing to order FPV drones with optic fiber, reports Economic Pravda.

• The US Army needs cheaper drones, not high-tech ones, to compete on the modern battlefield, reports The Economist. Russian and Chinese drone industries are ramping up, so the US should create its own infrastructure. If not, America could be heavily out-competed in any future conflict.

Thanks to our media partner: