Ukraine Tests Drone-Guided Munitions with Advanced Targeting Tech

4 November, 2024 Guided ammunition for a drone. Source: Ihor Fedirko The Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, in collaboration with Brave1 and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, organized a demonstration day to showcase drone-guided munitions.

This was reported by Ihor Fedirko, Advisor to the Minister for Strategic Industries. According to him, "almost all manufacturers of drones and ammunition for UAVs are actively working on guided munitions today, each with its own approach." The presented munitions feature various data transmission technologies: optical, laser, thermal imaging, fiber optic, wire, GPS, and combined systems.

Guided ammunition for a drone.

Source: Ihor Fedirko

The developments are focused on improving accuracy and efficiency, which ultimately reduces the cost of ammunition and explosives. However, Fedirko noted that even the best models sometimes display considerable error, particularly with guided munitions. The advisor emphasizes that manufacturers should be encouraged to continue development to eventually achieve 90% accuracy in a 2x2 meter area.

Increasing the accuracy of ammunition is important, as it makes it possible to hang in the air less and work on the target faster.

Guided ammunition for a drone. Source: Ihor Fedirko

"When you see how this industry is developing, it is breathtaking to realize that it increases our efficiency, which means we can save more equipment and lives. And this is the highest value," concluded Fedirko.

Using guided missiles for drones

Militarny reported on Ukraine's use of guided munitions for drones back on August 2.

Back then, Russian troops shot down a multicopter with such munitions. The high-explosive munition's casing was labeled BK-3OF and featured a serial number, suggesting it may be in mass production.

Ukrainian BK-3OF high-explosive guided ammunition, August 2024. Photo credits: Telegram/VictoryDrones

Its purpose, in addition to the name itself, is also evidenced by the notch on the body, which affects the formation of fragments of the same size.

An optical guidance device is installed in the nose of the BK-3OF munition.

According to the author of the photo, the projectile is guided by a reflected laser beam.

In the aft part, there are four aerodynamic rudders, which are supposed to set the direction of flight when the projectile hits the target.