Demonstration tests of technological solutions by Ukrainian manufacturers in swarm drones for group missions and guided munitions took place in Ukraine. The event was organized by the Ministry of Strategic Industries in collaboration with the defense technology development cluster Brave1, with support from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the General Staff, and the National Guard of Ukraine.
Minister of Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin reported that 17 teams of manufacturers participated in the trials held at the Brave1 testing grounds. Seven teams showcased their drone swarm technologies, while the other ten presented guided munitions of various weights. The minister noted that these solutions were at different stages of readiness, showcasing diverse approaches to addressing operational challenges.
Manufacturers explained the operational principles behind their solutions and demonstrated on the testing grounds how drones carry out group missions with minimal operator involvement. The tests also included trial drops of guided munitions from altitudes over 1 km, with measurements taken to assess deviations from the target.
“Drone swarms are an advanced technology that enables the military to think not just one step but several steps ahead of the enemy. We’re focusing on increasing the number of such products, but quality must take the lead,” says Herman Smetanin. “The defense industry needs to deliver precisely what the Armed Forces require—highly effective, relevant products designed for the conditions in which combat operations occur. We organize these events to help manufacturers achieve that goal.”
Military personnel, as the end-users of these products, also reviewed the solutions. They were not just present at the trials but provided valuable recommendations on how to improve and enhance the designs.
“The front is dynamic, and new technological needs are constantly emerging for the military. Some of these needs are critical and must be addressed as quickly as possible to prevent the enemy from advancing,” stated Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science, and Technology, and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. He added that drone swarms, guided munitions, and robotic dogs are currently especially relevant technologies for soldiers.
According to him, a drone swarm enables a single pilot to control an entire group of drones, with each drone in the swarm capable of autonomously completing missions. During the trials, developers demonstrated how the drones operate within a single swarm and showcased this technology’s application in coordinated operations with robotic systems.
Guided munitions strike targets with enhanced precision, automatically adjusting their trajectory for accurate targeting. This technology has the potential to significantly increase the effectiveness of bombing missions conducted by drones. Additionally, Mykhailo Fedorov mentioned that the robotic dog performs logistical and reconnaissance tasks in various weather conditions and terrains, covering up to 10 km on a single charge.
Anna Hvozdiar, Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries, added that the ministry aims to help protect Ukrainian soldiers’ lives by deploying drones where possible to replace humans. She highlighted that drones are already executing combat and reconnaissance missions and assisting in medical evacuations, with experts continuously working to improve these solutions.
Source: mspu
