Ukraine uses cardboard kamikaze drones

The Russian invaders have published a photo capturing a downed cargo UAV, which the Ukrainians modified to strike enemy targets.

Such photos were made public by the Russian media.

The ultra-cheap PPDS cargo drones by the Australian company SYPAQ have been used by the Ukrainian military to deliver various cargoes since the beginning of 2023. However, this is the first documented confirmation of the use of these UAVs as strike drones.

A MON-50 directional fragmentation anti-personnel mine was placed in the drone’s fuselage, while a VP-2a radio detonator was installed on the wing. It is unknown if the modified UAV has a camera or other targeting systems.

The MON-50 landmine allows for hitting targets at a distance of up to 30 meters. The ammunition is equipped with 700 grams of explosives and has about 485-540 ready striking elements.

Cardboard UAVs in the service of the Ukrainian army

The Ukrainian Army uses ultra-cheap single-use cargo drones to provide logistics tasks in hard-to-reach places.

The sale of the UAVs to Ukraine was first announced by the Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Richard Marles, at the Australian Avalon Airshow in March of this year.

The light and small logistic aircraft for the battlefield is called the Corvo Precision Payload Delivery System (PPDS).

SYPAQ informs that the aircraft has various applications such as the deployment of a sensor payload, ability to deliver small cargo, act as an extended communications airborne relay, and serve as a decoy.

“Hundreds of the UAVs have been sold to Ukraine,” said Ross Osborne, chief engineer at SYPAQ.

Depending on the model, the drone can lift up to 3 kg or 5 kg. The aircraft is capable of carrying cargo for 1-3 hours depending on the load at a range of 40-120 km.

The manufacturer emphasizes that the main task of drones is to deliver ammunition, food, and medicine directly to the front line. But reconnaissance flights and the dropping of explosive devices are also possible.