Charles Esther
A groundbreaking development in Ukrainian military technology has emerged, as the country’s “Bulava” drone unit has successfully tested a grenade launcher mounted on a large first-person-view (FPV) drone.
This new weaponry, which could potentially change the dynamics of drone warfare, was first demonstrated in combat footage released by the Wild Hornets company.
The “Queen of Hornets” Drone and Its New Grenade Launcher
The latest footage, shared by Wild Hornets on their Telegram channel, shows the first-ever successful combat use of a grenade launcher attached to an FPV drone.
This platform is believed to be the “Queen of Hornets” drone, a large quadcopter that has been one of Ukraine’s most powerful FPV drones, designed primarily for bombing missions.
In the footage, the mounted grenade launcher fires over open terrain, demonstrating its ability to target enemy forces from a significant distance.
The weapon used in this testing is the Bulspike-AP, a Bulgarian-made anti-personnel grenade launcher, capable of firing a 2-kilogram fragmentation grenade with an effective range of approximately 100 meters (328 feet).
A Revolutionary Approach to Drone Warfare
Traditionally, FPV drones in combat are used to either drop explosives directly on a target or fly into a target as a munition, sacrificing the drone in the process. However, the addition of a grenade launcher transforms this dynamic.
Now, drones can attack without the need to fly directly over or into the target, allowing for more tactical flexibility and reduced risk for the operator.
The test footage shows a soldier being hit by the explosion and knocked to the ground, though their fate remains unclear.
According to Wild Hornets, this target was a Russian soldier who died from the blast.
In another clip, the target is less visible, but the effectiveness of the launcher’s range is clear.
Potential for Large-Scale Deployment
The success of this test raises several questions about the future of drone-mounted weapons in Ukraine’s military arsenal.
While the technology is still in its infancy, the ability to strike at greater distances without direct engagement could open up new opportunities for Ukrainian forces.
Wild Hornets has previously suggested that such a weapon could significantly extend the range of traditional rocket launchers, providing Ukrainian forces with a new strategic advantage.
Despite the promising tests, it’s unclear whether Ukraine will be able to produce and deploy these drone-mounted grenade launchers at scale.
Many Ukrainian drone manufacturers, including Wild Hornets, have developed an array of drone weaponry, from mounted shotguns to drones that deploy thermite, but most Ukrainian troops still rely heavily on loitering munitions and bombers.
The Impact of FPV Drones in Modern Warfare
This innovation is just one example of the expanding role of FPV drones in modern combat.
Wild Hornets, recognized for producing some of the most advanced and exotic drone technologies used in the war, has developed drones that can reach speeds of over 100 mph and even intercept enemy drones.
Their drones have also been used to deploy unconventional weapons like thermite from above.
The “Queen of Hornets” drone, with its new grenade launcher, represents a significant leap forward in drone warfare technology.
By integrating such a weapon, Ukrainian forces gain the ability to strike with precision and at greater distances, potentially giving them an edge in future confrontations.
Conclusion
The successful testing of the grenade launcher mounted on the “Queen of Hornets” FPV drone marks a new chapter in Ukraine’s use of drone technology for military operations.
As the technology continues to evolve, it may provide Ukrainian forces with new tactics to counter more traditional forms of warfare, adding another layer of complexity to the battlefield.
While its large-scale deployment remains uncertain, the potential impact of such innovations cannot be overstated in the ongoing conflict.
