FPV drones

Russia’s FSB accused Ukrainian rapper Kyivstoner of involvement in a drone plot organized by Ukraine’s SBU, involving 35 FPV drones smuggled into Russia via European countries. The rapper denied any connection to the alleged attack.

Germany has financed 50,000 Ukrainian FPV strike drones in a €90 million deal. The drones are produced by Ukrainian firm SkyFall and use autonomous targeting software from US company Auterion, with some already delivered.

Russia has deployed upgraded 'anti-drone' tanks equipped with the Arena-M system, designed to counter FPV drones and anti-tank weapons. Leaked documents indicate joint development between Moscow and Beijing on next-generation armored vehicles incorporating AI, active protection systems, and drone integration.

Ukraine is using naval drones like the Sea Baby and Magura as launch platforms for fiber-optic guided FPV attack drones, extending its strike range beyond the Black Sea coast. The technology, developed by Ukraine’s SBU and GUR, has been tested in attacks on Russian ports and adopted by U.S. forces in Indo-Pacific exercises.

Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade runs the Killhouse Academy, an intensive drone training program for Ukrainian soldiers and foreign volunteers to master combat drone operations. The training focuses on skills like evading defenses, handling jamming, and adapting to Russian tactics, emphasizing that skilled operators can turn cheap drones into effective asymmetric weapons in warfare.

Hasan Dorr argues that Hezbollah's resilience has surprised Israel and Lebanese authorities, maintaining its capacity to hinder Israel's advance in southern Lebanon. He highlights the effectiveness of FPV drones, similar to Kornet missiles in 2006, and notes Israel's 'yellow line' security measures do not ensure full control.

Ukraine has outproduced and outdeployed Russia in FPV drones at a 1.5 to 1 ratio, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, who reported nearly 180,000 verified targets struck in May and 4,000 Shahed drones neutralized, with long-range units targeting Russian command centers and logistics hubs.

Ukraine confirmed equipping long-range drones with rocket launchers firing Soviet-era S-5 unguided rockets as part of an escalating mid-range strike campaign targeting Russian logistics. The use of drone-launched missiles or rockets is not a new concept.

The French Army hosted its first international drone competition at Chaumont-Semoutiers airbase, where NATO soldiers raced FPV drones and shared tactical insights. The event combined drone racing with simulated military strikes, reflecting FPV drones' growing role in modern warfare, particularly in Ukraine, where they now inflict 60% of Russian army losses.