7 defence innovations showcased live for the first time at IRON DEMO 2025

In early August, Lviv hosted the IRON DEMO 2025 exhibition, where more than 70 Ukrainian defence manufacturers showcased solutions proven on the front line, as well as innovations still making their way into combat use in brigades. The two-day event brought together around 1,000 participants, including representatives of over 60 military units.

At the editorial team’s request, the IRON cluster compiled a selection of developments that were publicly demonstrated for the first time in field conditions at IRON DEMO 2025.

Karakurt UGV for remote FPV launch

Product description: The Karakurt unmanned ground vehicle by IRV is designed for the remote launch of multiple FPV drones. Its base is the tracked Vepryk platform, which can carry six UAVs.

Value: Karakurt enables operators to launch drones remotely without revealing their positions. It can operate in standby mode, activating only when enemy targets are detected. The drones are controlled via a built-in relay in the platform or an airborne station, with an operational range of up to 30 km. The platform itself can operate up to 4 km from the communication station. Notable features include the ability to launch two UAVs simultaneously, both controlled from a single console to work on the same target — the second drone automatically flies to the aiming point of the first.

Defender Media published a more detailed feature on the Karakurt a few days ago.

Zmiy Droid 12.7 by Rovertech and DevDroid

Product description: The Zmiy Droid 12.7 is a reconnaissance and strike armoured ground platform, combining Rovertech’s Zmiy chassis with DevDroid’s Wolly 12.7 combat module.

Value: Resistant to anti-personnel mines and enemy FPV strikes, it features a silent electric motor, a range of up to 50 km, and a payload capacity of 700 kg. It can be armed with an M2 Browning 12.7 mm machine gun, with an effective range of up to 1 km. The platform travels at 7 km/h, can be deployed in 10 minutes, and has fully remote control over both the chassis and the weapon. AI enables autonomous detection, tracking, and targeting. Multiple communication channels are supported, with options for narrow- or wide-angle cameras and a thermal imager.

There was also a separate Defender Media article about the Zmiy Droid 12.7 UGV.

Narsil autonomous control system by Dwarf Engineering

Product description: Narsil is a modular software suite that uses proprietary data analysis and control algorithms for edge devices to increase mission success under signal loss or with minimally trained operators. It offers three flight modes:

1. Cruise: The pilot sets a destination point, and the drone maintains speed and heading, navigating only by its onboard video feed — making it resistant to electronic warfare.
2. Targeting: The pilot selects a target on the screen.
3. Attack guidance: The drone switches to attack mode, with the pilot able to adjust the target visually.

Value: Narsil allows UAVs to operate in hostile EW environments, navigate independently, hold a target in sight, and strike even if the link is lost. The module integrates easily with any controller and frame, meaning drone makers don’t need to develop autonomy in-house.

Defender Media has previously covered the Narsil module by Dwarf Engineering.

Besomar 8800 interceptor drone by Besomar

Product description: The Besomar 8800 is a fixed-wing UAV equipped with a zero-recoil firing system. This system enables it to shoot down enemy targets in the air and allows the interceptor to be reused multiple times.

Value: The system supports both manual and automatic firing modes – the pilot grants permission to fire, after which the system will automatically execute the shot if it detects a target within 6 metres. The UAV remains stable during firing thanks to its zero-recoil implementation and onboard intelligent systems, which react quickly to any changes in flight, helping the primary pilot maintain stable and fully controlled flight. The drone is also fitted with air brake systems and manual control assistance, enabling dynamic changes in speed and flight vector capabilities that are impossible with a conventional drone.

“Shablya MK19(M)” Grenade Launcher Combat Module by Roboneers

Product description: A remotely operated combat module that can be mounted on ground platforms (such as “Lys Pro”) or vehicles.

Value: Offers a wide aiming range (-5° to +65° vertically, 165° horizontally). The software includes sector settings, fire mode selection, ballistic calculator aiming, “hot zeroing”, target lock, and coordinate-based firing.

Strix automatic aiming system for directional antennas by KRAY

Product description: According to developers, Strix is the first system to replace an omnidirectional antenna with a precisely aimed directional one on the drone, improving link stability. It uses a gimbal to constantly track the launch point, keeping the antenna perfectly aligned.

Value: This significantly reduces side emissions, increasing range, stability, and security of data transmission.

CAFA Tech Power Module (Estonia)

Product description: A high-voltage constant power supply and data transmission system for UAVs. The CAFA Tactical Battery TB2.1 is a protected, modular, high-capacity battery for reliable operation in demanding tactical and field conditions.

Value: It provides uninterrupted reconnaissance with 2 kW high-voltage power and secure data transfer via fibre optic cable up to 500 m high, enabling unlimited flight time. The relay range is up to 50 km from an altitude of 120 m. It is compatible with most drones, can be mounted on ground platforms, and is powered by 12V/24V batteries, Ecoflow 230V, or 230V generators. Integrated fibre optic cable enables secure, covert communications (1 Gbps).

IRON DEMO 2025 gathered 78 companies and over a thousand participants. Defender Media served as the event’s media partner.