Ukraine’s MoD codifies FireFly terminal guidance module for guided heavy bomber drops

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has codified the FireFly terminal guidance module designed for use on heavy strike drones. Defender Media was informed of this by the NGO Aerorozvidka, the co-owner of the rights to the design and control system. The system is already in service with Ukraine’s Defence Forces, operating on Perun, Vampire and other heavy bomber UAVs.

FireFly is fitted to the munition carried by the bomber drone. Once the operator locks onto a target and releases the payload, the module autonomously corrects the munition’s flight path to guide it to the target. The operator’s role is limited to selecting and locking the target, while the system handles the rest of the strike without further manual input.

According to the developer’s technical team, the module enables munitions to be deployed both day and night from operational altitudes ranging between 200 and 500 metres. Depending on the platform type, release altitude, and prevailing weather conditions, the claimed strike accuracy ranges from 0.5 to 2 metres from the designation point selected by the operator.

The FireFly is compatible with munitions weighing from 1 to 9 kg. A company spokesperson stated that the module has already been integrated into a number of heavy strike UAVs, including the Perun, Vampire, and other multi-rotor platforms.

The company’s current production capacity allows for the manufacturing of up to 10,000 FireFly modules per month, with the potential for further scaling. The system is also expected to become available for procurement through the state-run DOT-Chain platform in the near future.