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Britain’s ULTRA Drone Now Reaches 2,000 KM—A Long‑Range Logistics Game Changer for Ukraine
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
British drone manufacturer Windracers has announced that its heavy-lift ULTRA drone, currently in service with Ukraine’s defense forces, has reached a new operational range of up to 2,000 kilometers—doubling its previous capability.
The development was disclosed in a company statement published on January 18, as reported by Defense Express.
According to Windracers, the drone—formally known as the Uncrewed Low-Cost Transport (ULTRA)—can now carry payloads exceeding 100 kilograms over the 2,000-kilometer range. The company also noted ongoing work to increase that capacity to 200 kilograms over the same distance.
🇬🇧🇺🇦 As part of the drone coalition, Britain transferred ULTRA cargo UAVs to Ukraine, - Janes.
— The Ukrainian Review (@UkrReview) May 29, 2024
🦅 ULTRA is capable of carrying a payload of 100 kg over a distance of up to 1000 km, as well as conducting reconnaissance. pic.twitter.com/rBL6k1nkgl
The platform was originally supplied to Ukrainian forces in 2023, with its existence publicly acknowledged in 2024. While there is no confirmed number of units delivered to Ukraine, Defense Express reports that the upgraded drone may have undergone technical modifications informed by battlefield performance in Ukraine.
In addition to Ukraine, the ULTRA has been tested and deployed in other challenging environments, including polar regions and parts of Central Africa.
Windracers founder and chairman Steven Wright emphasized the rising demand for the drone and said the company is scaling production to deliver “hundreds of units over the next two years,” according to the same press release cited by Defense Express.
The current operational variant used by Ukrainian forces is believed to have a range of 1,000 kilometers with a maximum payload of 100 kilograms. It remains unclear whether the newly extended-range version will be delivered to Ukraine.
The drone’s role in Ukrainian service has not been officially detailed. While it is designed primarily for logistical missions, Defense Express notes that the platform’s modular design could potentially support other roles, such as airborne resupply or deployment of munitions.
Earlier, reports emerged that the Ukrainian company Ukrspecsystems was set to collaborate with British educational institutions to train future professionals for its drone manufacturing plant in Mildenhall, the company’s UK director.
-cee84131972e3b8f5739213255e08574.jpg "Mural in New York City honoring Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was killed in the U.S. (Photo: Julia Gorodetskaya)")
