The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has authorized the use of the Shchedryk reconnaissance drone in the defense forces.

The Ministry of Defense reported on this.

A domestic manufacturer developed a new unmanned aerial vehicle and is capable of conducting reconnaissance flights in both extreme heat and extreme cold.

The system consists of a control station and remotely piloted aircraft.

The latter are equipped with silent electric motors (two for each aircraft) and are more resistant to electronic interference.

The drones are designed to operate in high winds, and the built-in battery is sufficient for a long flight and stay in the sky. It can fly at a speed of 150 km/h and has a range of up to 40 kilometers and a maximum flight altitude of 4 km.

“The aircraft’s capabilities and its optical equipment allow us to operate from high altitudes, which are difficult to reach for most enemy air defense systems,” Dmytro Klimenkov, Deputy Minister of Defense, reported.

The Ministry of Defense notes that the drone can be used both day and night, indicating the presence of a thermal imaging channel in the optical station, significantly increasing its efficiency.

Militarnyi previously reported that during the nine months of 2024, the Defense Ministry codified and authorized more than 140 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use in the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

As well as 33 Ukrainian-made ground robotic systems.

The Ministry also noted that, for comparison, in 2023, 60 UAVs and 9 Ukrainian-made ground robotic systems were codified in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defense also noted that the role of unmanned systems is rapidly increasing on the battlefield.

Ukrainian weapon makers are quick to respond to the needs of the frontline by producing unmanned systems for various purposes.