Ukraine starts mass production of 750 km range “kamikaze” drones

750 km range, 32-70 kg payload

The AQ 400 Scythe is a long-range drone with a 750 km range, specifically designed for launch from short airstrips or catapults. It boasts the ability to carry payloads of up to 32 kilograms, with the option to expand this capacity to 70 kilograms by sacrificing some range. Notable characteristics of this drone include its swift assembly, mass production capabilities, and cost-effectiveness, positioning it as a pivotal asset in contemporary warfare.

Terminal Autonomy has strategically established "kamikaze" drone production through a network of smaller facilities and engineering firms experienced in crafting similar platforms. While the company does source certain components from abroad, mainly from Germany and the United Kingdom, the project's core focus lies in maximizing production localization within Ukraine's borders.

Not only Scythes

The company also produces smaller one-way attack drones, the quadcopter-based AQV 120 Scalpel Loitering Munition and the plane-like AQ 100 Bayonet loitering munition that carries a 3 kg warhead.

Forbes wrote in April that Terminal Autonomy's Scalpel initially carried a warhead of about one kilogram "but this was not always enough to destroy heavy tanks, so a new version has been launched which carries a more powerful 2.5 kilo warhead."

Ukraine's drone production

Earlier, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported that Ukraine was producing thousands and even tens of thousands of drones of “certain categories” per month, possibly implying the small first-person-view drones massively used on the front.

Among the notable long-range UAVs, Ukraine produces the UJ-26 Bober suicide drone that can fly 800 km while carrying a 25 kg explosive warhead.

Also, the CEO of the Ukrainian defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom, Herman Smetanin, confirmed mass production of Ukrainian “kamikaze” drones with a combat range of up to 1,000 km. Additionally, the company supports the production of FPV drones from private firms, further enhancing Ukraine’s drone capabilities.

In addition to aerial drones, Ukrainian companies also manufacture uncrewed surface vehicles (maritime drones) and develop land drones.

Read also:

• Ukraine dismantles hi-tech contraband ring that used drones for smuggling cigarettes and monitoring border patrols
• Project “Black Box”: How Ukrainians unknowingly crowdfunded deadly new drone fleet
• Russia reports a mass drone attack in Moscow region (being updated)
• Minister: Ukraine makes tens of thousands of drones per month
• Ukroboronprom: Ukraine’s “kamikaze” drones with 1,000 km combat radius in mass production