Italian Drone Innovation: Mini and Small Suicide Drones Boost Ukraine’s Urban and Open Combat

Italy has entered the growing field of suicide drones with the development of 2 models the Mini UAV, and the Small UAV which may soon be deployed to aid Ukraine’s ongoing defense efforts.

According to a Defense Express report on March 21, the drones have already been tested during Italian Army exercises and are now being considered fully functional.

The Italian Ministry of Defense has maintained a level of secrecy about the specifics, but sources suggest that these drones, which were developed by MBDA Italia in collaboration with local firms Siralab and Sky Eyes Systems, could be delivered to Ukraine in the near future.

The Mini UAV is a quadcopter drone with a launch weight of 2 kilograms and a warhead weighing 0.5 kilograms, offering a flight range of 5 kilometers and a duration of up to 40 minutes. Designed for urban combat, it offers the potential for precise strikes in built-up areas.

In contrast, the Small UAV is a more traditional aircraft-style suicide drone, weighing 8 kilograms and equipped with a 1.5-kilogram warhead. It can travel up to 15 kilometers and remain in the air for 40 minutes, making it ideal for open-field operations.

Both drones share common design elements, including a launch tube and optoelectronic guidance system.

Despite these shared features, the drones differ significantly in their form and intended use. The cost and production timeline for these UAVs, especially in relation to their potential deployment for Ukraine’s defense forces, remain confidential, but their arrival could mark a significant boost to Ukraine’s growing arsenal of drone warfare capabilities.

Earlier, Italy launched the €9 million “Pro.UKR” project to enhance sustainable agricultural development and food security in rural areas of the Odesa region.