Ukraine Deploys Locally Made Bird of Prey FPV Drone for Combat

26 March, 2025 Bird of Prey FPV drone.

2025. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has authorized the use of the domestically produced Bird of Prey FPV drone within the country's armed forces, the Ministry announced on its website.

The drone has already demonstrated effectiveness in targeting armored vehicles and fortified Russian invaders' positions, the Ministry reported. It has undergone official codification and approval by the defense ministry, ensuring its integration into the military's operational framework. According to the Ministry, engineers developed the Bird of Prey UAV based on battlefield experience, designing it to withstand enemy EW countermeasures.

Bird of Prey FPV drone.

2025. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

The drones come in various frame sizes and can carry different types of munitions and warheads.

They are capable of striking tanks, armored personnel carriers, self-propelled artillery, and enemy fortifications, including dugouts. The UAVs operate in diverse weather conditions and can be deployed both day and night. In March, the defense ministry also codified and approved another domestically produced FPV strike drone, the WINFLY, for use by Ukraine's armed forces.

Ukrainian production of FPV drones. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

Ukraine plans to triple its procurement of strike drones this year, with contracts for 4.5 million FPV drones already in place. This will make it possible to rapidly increase the supply of unmanned aerial systems to frontline forces.

The Ministry has stated that domestic manufacturers prioritizing localized production of drone components will receive procurement advantages as Ukraine seeks to maximize domestic production of drone parts.