Eng
Esp

Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Ukrainian drone makers unveil independent Mavic analogues for military

China’s Mavics are widely used on the frontlines for air reconnaissance, as Ukraine pushes for self-sufficient military tech production amid Chinese export restrictions.
byYuri Zoria
11/11/2024
2 minute read
ukrainian drone makers unveil independent mavic analogues military indigenous drones armed replacing chinese-made mavics defense forces
Ukrainian indigenous drones armed at replacing the Chinese-made Mavics in the Defense Forces. Photo: Ukrinform
Ukrainian drone makers unveil independent Mavic analogues for military

Ukrainian drone manufacturers have unveiled unique UAVs for reconnaissance and targeting that serve as the first domestically-produced analogues of the Chinese Mavic drones, Ukrinform reports.

Drone warfare innovations have become a defining feature of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Unmanned vehicles of various sizes, operating in the air, on land, and at sea, play a central role, with technology advancing rapidly from both sides. Both Ukraine and Russia have been extensively deploying small, inexpensive commercial drones, like the DJI Mavic 3, for battlefield surveillance and fire direction. These civilian drones are frequently modified to carry small bombs for attacking enemy infantry and equipment.

The presentation was organized by Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries and featured various Ukrainian drone developers. According to Minister Herman Smetanin, these new Ukrainian drones will help the country reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers.

“We are presenting unique Ukrainian products that serve as analogues to the Chinese Mavic drones, currently the most popular reconnaissance drones used by Ukraine’s security and defense forces,” Smetanin said. “Producing them domestically will ensure independence from foreign supplies.”

One manufacturer’s representative, Anton, noted that Mavic pilots can easily operate the Ukrainian drone after 15-20 minutes of training.

“Civilian drones under electronic warfare (EW) cannot fully perform their functions. Our drone significantly outperforms the Mavic, as it is specifically designed to fly under intense electromagnetic interference,” Anton said.

Ukrainian drone manufacturers showcasing to the military their domestic UAVs analogous to Chinese Mavic. Photo: Ukrinform

Another manufacturer, Marko, acknowledged the initial high costs of domestic drone production:

Ukraine can produce everything domestically, but initially, it will be more expensive. As production scales, costs will decrease,” he explained.

Ukrainian drone manufacturers showcasing to the military their domestic UAVs analogous to Chinese Mavic. Photo: Ukrinform

The Ministry of Strategic Industries aims to collaborate with the Ministry of Defense to ensure sufficient procurement of the new Ukrainian drone models to meet the needs of Ukraine’s security forces. According to the ministry, the domestic drone production capacity in 2024 has increased more than tenfold compared to 2023.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!