New Ukrainian middle strike drone Shugai completes pre‑combat trials

The new strike drone Shugai, designed to engage targets at ranges exceeding 50 km, has completed its initial pre‑combat trials and is now preparing for operational deployment, according to the 9th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade.

The drone is the result of cooperation between Ukrainian and Czech companies, developed with the active involvement of personnel from the 9th Brigade. The companies have not been named.

Shugai is intended to create a “kill zone” deep within enemy defensive lines, where vehicles, radar systems, air‑defence assets and other protective measures are positioned. Its primary task is to fully restrict Russian troop movements at distances beyond 50 kilometres.

Shugai combines an FPV format with a winged design, enabling extended range and longer flight duration. The construction retains modularity, adaptability to various munitions and low production cost. Its shape, aerodynamics and configuration were developed to meet practical frontline requirements, the brigade reported.

During initial trials, the drone demonstrated stable performance, the declared operational range and accurate target acquisition. It is now undergoing final preparations and will be deployed in combat once the last tests are completed.

Ukraine and the Czech Republic have had a memorandum on military-technical cooperation since 2023, covering the production, maintenance, and repair of weaponry, ammunition manufacture, and the development of scientific and technical programmes. One of the latest agreements — between the state‑owned UkrOboronProm and the Czech company Air Team — provides for joint development and production of interceptor drones.