Ukraine Tests Extended-Range FPV Drones Capable of Operating Through Electronic Warfare

Image: Ukraine MoD

Ukraine’s Brave1 defence innovation cluster has completed field trials of a new generation of first-person view (FPV) drones, with some models already proving effective under battlefield conditions. The effort aims to accelerate delivery of advanced unmanned systems to Ukrainian forces.

Eight Ukrainian drone manufacturers participated in the trials, conducted at a dedicated training range. Serhii Sternenko, Adviser to Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, directed the programme in cooperation with Brave1 and the participating companies.

As per a recent statement from Brave1, drones completed missions at ranges of up to 25 kilometres. The systems operated under the effects of multiple electronic warfare types, a critical capability given Russia’s persistent EW deployment across front-line positions. Select solutions completed the full testing cycle and demonstrated reliable performance under simulated combat conditions. Specific technical details remain undisclosed for security reasons.

Streamlining the Path to the Front Line

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has restructured its procurement approach to speed up delivery. Eighty percent of UAV funding now flows to systems proven most effective through battlefield data, with the remaining 20 percent supporting emerging technologies. The model is designed to balance reliability with continued innovation.

Additional reforms include a simplified weapons codification process and a revised UAV requirements framework. Brave1 and the Ministry of Defence now develop dedicated testing methodologies for each class of unmanned system. Manufacturers without existing government contracts may also participate. Where a drone performs effectively under near-combat conditions, the contracting process begins immediately.

Industrial and Operational Context

FPV drones have become one of the defining weapons of the war in Ukraine, deployed in large numbers by both sides for precision strikes against armour, personnel and equipment. Development of systems capable of operating at 25 kilometres, well beyond standard FPV ranges, and resisting electronic jamming reflects Ukraine’s drive to maintain an asymmetric battlefield advantage.

Brave1, established to connect Ukrainian defence technology companies with government procurement, has positioned itself as a central node in that effort. Parallel testing of eight manufacturers signals a deliberate push to broaden Ukraine’s industrial base for advanced drone production.

No timeline for frontline deployment has been announced.

Source: Ukraine MoD Press Release

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