Ukrainian military officials publicly introduced the country’s newest long-range drone during an event marking the nation’s “Infantry Day.”
The FP-1
The FP-1, Interesting Engineering reports, offers a flying range of up to 1,000 miles and can deliver 120 kilograms of warhead payload.
Ukrainian officials reportedly added that adjusting the warhead weight could optimize the drone for either payload or operating range. The modular system also likely relies on commercially available parts.
Striking Targets Deeper into Russia
Reports said that long-range drones could provide Ukraine with the ability to strike staging areas, nodes, or logistics hubs in Russia previously considered outside the range of its shorter-range drones or other artillery.
Aiming to Build Tens of Thousands of Drones
The FP-1 and other Ukrainian drones were developed with assistance from Western military systems. Officials said the latest drone is already in production.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last year announced an effort to produce at least 30,000 long-range drones within a fiscal year as the war grinds on — more than three years after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Image credit: Anelo/Shutterstock
