Ukraine Develops Serially Produced 18 Inch Military Drone

The Ukrainian company Ptashka Drones has presented a mass-produced 18 inch FPV drone for the military.

The announcement was made on the company’s official Facebook account.

According to the manufacturer, this is the first 18 inch FPV drone in Ukraine to enter full-scale production.

The manufacturer also released video footage of the drone being tested with various types of munitions as its payload.

It is worth noting that increasing the size of an FPV drone makes it possible to boost its payload capacity and lifting capability, allowing it to carry much more powerful warheads.

In addition, the larger dimensions increase the drone’s flight range and operating radius thanks to the use of a bigger battery and a fiber-optic spool.

Meanwhile, this size remains practical for units that use drones to carry out strikes at distances of no more than five kilometers.

Therefore, 18 inch drones will likely be used as a supplement rather than a full replacement for existing models.

It is worth noting that as of today, the Defense Forces are already using 15 inch FPV drones, which can be fitted with both munitions and grenade launchers or firearms. In May 2025, Ukrainian soldiers used a drone equipped with a grenade launcher in combat for the first time, eliminating a Russian infantryman during the mission.