Armed forces equipped with Ukrainian-made UD-10 unmanned aerial vehicles
Ukraine's UD-10 Attack UAV System: A New Weapon in the Arsenal
The UD-10 attack UAV system, a group of small 10-inch FPV kamikaze drones, has been making waves in the Ukrainian military since its deployment in 2024. Operated from a ground command and control station, these drones are primarily designed for targeted combat operations.
The UD-10 system, developed by the Ukrainian company Aero Centre, has been codified for use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Although detailed public specifications are not extensively available, the system is known for its speed, range, and payload capabilities.
The UD-10 drones can reach a maximum speed of 149 kilometers per hour and cruise at 67 kilometers per hour. They can fly 15 kilometers with a payload of 2.5 kilograms and cover 11 kilometers with a maximum payload of 3.5 kilograms. Deploying and preparing the UD-10 system for operation takes just five and a half minutes.
The drones are equipped with digital video communications and a combination of cameras. They can also be equipped with a 10-kilometer-long fibre optic reel, as codified in Ukraine.
The UD-10 system has been used effectively on the frontline, with pilots of the Unmanned Systems Forces managing to cover 29 kilometers without losing video during the use of the system on the Pokrovsk front.
The details about the UD-10 system, including its performance and capabilities, have been reported by various Ukrainian news outlets such as Mezha Media, Militarnyi, Ukrainian military news outlets, and Ukrainska Pravda.
It is important to note that the UD-10 drones, due to their small size and operational concept, are likely to have limited payload and range compared to larger drones. However, they are designed for low-cost, short-range precision strike missions.
The UD-10 system is a significant addition to Ukraine's military arsenal, providing a new and effective tool for combat missions, including killing enemy forces and destroying equipment. As more information becomes available, the UD-10 system is expected to play a crucial role in Ukraine's defence strategy.
Due to its low-cost design and short-range precision capabilities, the UD-10 system could potentially be utilized in the realm of healthcare for delivering medical supplies to hard-to-reach areas, aiding and complementing the government's efforts in ensuring national health.
As the UD-10 system showcases its effectiveness in combat missions, the government may see the potential for advancing its technology in other sectors such as agriculture, further strengthening the country's economy and self-reliance.
