The German defense giant Rheinmetall has released the first test footage of its FV-014 strike unmanned aerial vehicle. Defense Express has suggested that the system's trial could have taken place in Ukraine.
The company has reported a successful demonstration of the drone for a potential customer from NATO member states.
The platform has executed several operational scenarios, including a simulated attack. The identity of the interested state was not disclosed.
Analysts note that during the initial presentation, Rheinmetall claimed the FV-014 already had “combat experience.”
Given current realities, Ukraine is a plausible venue for such trials — effectively the only country where cutting-edge weapons are field-tested in real combat conditions.
This suggests the drone’s development and possible testing may have occurred without public disclosure.
Container launch and questions about video-link quality under EW conditions
The released footage shows the FV-014 launching from a rectangular transport-launch container using a solid-fuel booster.
For targeting, the UAV is equipped with a daytime camera and likely a thermal imager.
Performance characteristics: up to 100 km range, HEDP warhead, and swarm employment
Declared specifications of the FV-014 include a maximum range of up to 100 km, stable communications out to around 60 km, and an endurance of up to 70 minutes.
The drone’s total mass is approximately 20 kg, with a 5 kg HEDP (High-Explosive Dual-Purpose) warhead featuring a shaped-charge/fragmentation effect and claimed armor penetration of up to 600 mm.
Additional capabilities include swarm employment (one operator controlling multiple drones) and operation without satellite navigation signals. The faceted airframe is designed to reduce radar and infrared signatures. Combined with an electric motor, this is intended to complicate detection and interception.
