UK considers Ukraine’s Raybird drone as a potential replacement for Watchkeeper

The Ukrainian reconnaissance and strike drone Raybird, developed by Skyeton, may become a replacement for the UK’s Watchkeeper, which is expected to be retired in 2027, BFBS Forces News has reported.

Raybird is a multi-role unmanned aerial system with over 350,000 flight hours in combat operations. The system is used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations.

According to the manufacturer, Raybird can remain airborne for up to 28 hours, reach speeds of up to 140 km/h, and operate at altitudes of up to 10,000 metres. The drone is equipped with a laser designator, providing strike accuracy of up to 80%. It is launched by catapult and recovered by parachute, allowing it to operate from rough or improvised airfields.

The platform’s modular design enables a rapid switch between reconnaissance and strike configurations. Developers estimate that performing the same tasks with Raybird is up to 500 times cheaper than using a manned aircraft.

Earlier, the manufacturer Skyeton signed an agreement with the UK defence company Prevail Partners to establish Raybird production in Britain and jointly participate in NATO procurement programmes.

The British Watchkeeper WK450 drone, developed by Thales UK, first flew in 2010 and has logged around 4,000 flight hours. It was primarily used in Afghanistan for reconnaissance missions but has faced repeated criticism over its high cost and technical issues.