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Ukraine’s GrimTech Develops LA-80 Counterpart to Russia’s Molniya Drone
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Ukrainian defense company GrimTech is finalizing the development of the Grim LA-80, a fixed-wing strike drone designed to carry payloads of up to 5 kilograms and operate at ranges of up to 80 kilometers, Militarnyi reported on September 10.
According to the outlet, the company representative presented details of the new system during the MSPO 2026 defense exhibition in Poland. The drone is structurally similar to Russia’s Molniya-type UAVs, while its developers are focusing on combining extended range and payload capacity with a relatively low production cost.
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The Grim LA-80 is primarily intended to strike stationary targets behind Russian lines, including fortifications, dugouts, protective shelters, and military equipment that remains in fixed positions for extended periods.
According to Militarnyi, the drone’s range varies depending on the payload. With a payload of around 2 kilograms, the LA-80 could theoretically fly up to 100 kilometers, although the reliability of the communications link remains the main limiting factor at longer distances.
The company is considering several options for controlling the drone, including a conventional radio link, digital video transmission, and Starlink satellite communications. GrimTech views satellite connectivity as the preferred option for maintaining more stable control over longer distances.
For serial production, the LA-80’s fuselage is expected to be manufactured using vacuum forming, a process intended to reduce weight, increase durability, and facilitate faster production. The wings will be made from foam, while aluminum tubes and plywood will also be incorporated into the airframe.
GrimTech does not manufacture warheads for the LA-80, with munitions instead expected to be installed by Ukrainian military personnel. The drone’s payload compartment is being designed to accommodate different types of munitions, including those with relatively large diameters. The configuration will also allow the position of the payload to be adjusted to maintain the aircraft’s balance.
“We are finalizing and refining the product to ensure its quality, and we are working to produce a test batch that can be sent to the front for testing and field trials,” GrimTech representatives told Militarnyi.
About Molniya
Russia’s Molniya drone first appeared in November 2024 as a low-cost, mass-producible strike UAV designed primarily for frontline operations.
Built like a small aircraft, the Molniya uses inexpensive materials such as plywood, plastic, and cardboard. Its simple construction contributes to a relatively low radar signature, making conventional detection more difficult.
Powered by an electric motor, the drone can carry a payload of around 3–5 kilograms, fly up to 30–40 kilometers, and reach speeds of up to 90 km/h. Twin-motor variants have also been developed.
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With an estimated cost of just $300–$400 per unit, Russian forces can deploy Molniya drones in large numbers, relying on their low price to make mass attacks economically viable.
The Grim LA-80 is one of several new Ukrainian defense systems presented at the MSPO exhibition. Ukraine’s state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom also unveiled a new surface-to-air missile intended for modernized Strela-10 systems and the newly developed Desna air defense system.
The RK-2PZ missile is based on the Barrier anti-tank guided missile, which was developed from the R-2 missile family.
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-8b05d518676e53aa56d627f9e42869eb.jpg "Ukraine’s new RK-2PZ surface-to-air missile displayed at the MSPO defense exhibition in Poland in September 2026. (Source: Militarnyi)")
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
