Ukraine just cleared its first domestically built laser-targeting drone for battlefield use. The R-34-T can now illuminate targets for guided bombs and artillery rounds across Defense Forces units.
Why does this matter? Most precision weapons need someone to "paint" the target with a laser beam. Until now, Ukrainian forces relied on ground teams or imported systems for this dangerous work.
The drone was built specifically for Ukraine's military and passed all required tests, according to the Ministry of Defense. But what makes it different from commercial drones Ukraine has been using?
The R-34-T carries protected communication links that resist Russian jamming. Its modular design allows quick repairs and upgrades. And it can operate at longer ranges than typical battlefield drones.
Here's the tactical advantage: Ukrainian artillery and aircraft can now hit targets with surgical precision even when enemy air defenses are active. The laser guidance dramatically improves accuracy at extended distances—exactly what Ukraine needs against dug-in Russian positions.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the system's resistance to radio-electronic warfare tools represents a key operational advantage.
Ukraine has been pushing to reduce ammunition waste while keeping operators safer. The R-34-T addresses both problems—fewer missed shots mean less exposure time for crews.
The R-34-T now joins combat units nationwide, putting homegrown precision targeting directly into Ukrainian hands.
