Dorozvidka #8: UAV with a grenade launcher, heavy bomber ‘Perun’, plus updates from Aerobavovna, Vitruhan, and Ukrspecsystems

The Darknode unit of the 412th Nemesis Regiment has shot down 100 Russian strike UAVs — 76 Shaheds and 24 Gerberas. “For the first time in modern warfare, long-range strike drones are being systematically intercepted by other unmanned aerial vehicles,” the Unmanned Systems Forces reported.

This is not the only technological breakthrough achieved by the Ukrainian army over the past week. The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) successfully deployed a drone with a grenade launcher in combat for the first time, and the 110th Territorial Defence Brigade demonstrated the heavy bomber ‘Perun X-9’ in action. More on these and other updates in Ukrainian defence tech in Dorozvidka #8.

“Queen of Hornets” with a grenade launcher

Ukrainian drone manufacturer Wild Hornets has reported the first combat use of a drone equipped with a grenade launcher in the AFU. The company’s channel published a video from pilots of the BULAVA unit of the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi Separate Presidential Brigade, who mounted a grenade launcher onto their ‘Queen of Hornets’ drone and used it successfully against enemy infantry.

New Aerobavovna aerostat for advanced EW/ELINT systems

Militarnyi released a report on the company Aerobavovna, which is developing aerostats for Ukraine’s Defence Forces. The video showcases a new aerostat model designed for high-altitude deployment of powerful electronic warfare and intelligence systems. One of the new model’s standout features is its ability to lift payloads of up to 30 kg.

Since 2023, Aerobavovna has been supplying the Defence Forces with basic aerostat versions that can carry up to 6 kg and are used for radio communication relay and drone control. The company has now developed a new aerostat type to accommodate more complex and heavier systems.

The new aerostats can remain airborne for several days. However, while the smaller ones can be deployed in 7 minutes, the larger models require around 30 minutes and a larger team to set up.

Aerobavovna is also working on aerostat-based drone carriers for intercepting drones like the Shahed. The company is actively collaborating with other Ukrainian manufacturers to integrate their devices into its aerostat platforms.

Heavy bomber “Perun”

Army TV released a segment on the new heavy strike drone Perun X-9, now actively used by pilots of the 110th Territorial Defence Brigade. It is reported to carry up to 16 kg of munitions and has a range of up to 20 km. Additionally, the quadcopter features an automatic targeting system and can continue operations even if it loses connection with its operators. According to the TDF pilots, compared to the well-known Vampire bomber drone, Perun performs better in windy conditions.

The Perun is used for destroying enemy dugouts, personnel, and equipment.

What Is the Ministry of Defence’s space policy directorate?

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has published FAQ about its new Space Policy Directorate, established in late March. Its primary aim is to consolidate internal and external capabilities for developing Ukraine’s military space potential.

The publication highlights three main space-related needs of the Defence Forces:

• Satellite communications;
• Reconnaissance;
• Early warning of missile threats.

Ukrspecsystems launches components shop

Ukrainian UAV manufacturer Ukrspecsystems — best known for its Shark reconnaissance drone — has launched an online shop called UAS Components. Company representatives told Militarnyi that the platform offers a wide range of drone parts for Ukrainian manufacturers and operators.

The shop’s catalogue includes gyro-stabilised camera systems, antenna trackers, catapults, parachute systems, masts, batteries, and software — all of which have proven effective in combat and are already in use by AFU units.

Beyond selling parts, UAS Components also offers technical partnerships, engineering services, and manufacturing support for teams developing new UAV systems or enhancing existing ones. This includes composite production, R&D, and turnkey solution development.

‘HUPALO-N’ Shahed-decoy drone receives NATO codification

Ukrainian drone manufacturer Vitruhan has announced that its drone system HUPALO-N has passed international codification and received a NATO stock number.

HUPALO-N is an aerial target used for training, combat coordination, and testing various air defence systems. The manufacturer says it has been successfully used for over a year by AFU units and mobile air defence teams.

According to Vitruhan, GUPALO-N is Ukraine’s best-value air target, capable of simulating the speed, flight profile, and size of Russian Shahed drones.