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Latvia’s BEAK Drone Excels on Ukrainian Battlefield, Withstanding Russian Jamming

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Amira_barkhush
Amira Barkhush
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Latvia’s BEAK Drone Excels on Ukrainian Battlefield, Withstanding Russian Jamming
BEAK in bomber configuration with four munitions (Source: Origin Robotics/Forbes)

Ukrainian defense forces are actively deploying BEAK bomber drones, developed by the Latvian company Origin Robotics.

According to a May 1 report by Forbes, Origin Robotics CEO Agris Kipurs discussed the BEAK drone’s performance on the Ukrainian battlefield, highlighting its precision, affordability, and ability to resist Russian electronic warfare.

The manufacturer reports that the BEAK drone can strike enemy targets at distances of up to 15 kilometers and is resistant to electronic warfare interference. Built using military-grade components, the drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 11 kilograms and can carry up to three munitions with a combined payload of up to 4 kilograms.

The BEAK drone by Origin Robotics. (Source: Forbes)
The BEAK drone by Origin Robotics. (Source: Forbes)

“We use the best available radios, with strong anti-jamming capabilities. Still, even those can be jammed,” says Kipurs. “If that happens, BEAK must operate entirely on its own and return safely. That’s where real autonomy kicks in. Long-distance return under those conditions is no simple task, but it’s something we’ve built into the system.”

In addition to its strike capabilities, the BEAK is equipped for reconnaissance missions. Its optical module includes both daytime and thermal imaging channels, enabling it to detect human targets from up to one kilometer away. The drone is also programmed to automatically return to a designated area if communication with the operator is lost.

According to Kipurs, the number of times a drone can be used depends heavily on battlefield conditions, making it difficult to provide a definitive answer.

Ukraine’s “Magyarʼs Birds” drone unit, cited by Forbes on April 16, reported that their bomber drones complete an average of 69 sorties before being lost. BEAK drones, which offer greater autonomy and enhanced resistance to jamming, are expected to achieve even higher survivability.

The drone’s camera features a stabilizer and an automatic target recognition system. In reconnaissance configuration, it can remain airborne for up to 60 minutes, and up to 75 minutes when equipped with a dual battery setup.

On May 1, it was reported that Ukrainian company 3DTech, known for producing various types of FPV drones, has successfully completed internal testing of its new 25- and 30-kilometer-range signal reels, which are now in full-scale production.

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