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New Ukrainian “Mother Drone” UAV Carrier Delivers FPVs Deep Into Russia, Hits Targets in Kursk Region
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
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Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have employed a mother drone platform capable of delivering FPV attack drones to targets deep inside Russian territory, including in the Kursk region.
According to Militarnyi, citing Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces Vadym Sukharevskyi, the drone was used by the 413th Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion “Raid” to strike Russian engineering equipment approximately 55 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
The attack reportedly targeted construction equipment involved in fortifying defensive positions in the region.
The system consists of a fixed-wing reconnaissance drone acting as both a transport carrier and a signal relay for two smaller FPV drones equipped with 400-gram warheads.
While the payload is insufficient to destroy heavily armored vehicles or fortified structures, it is considered effective against lightly protected assets such as radar systems, air defense units, or unarmored equipment.
Sukharevskyi previously confirmed the use of similar systems during a statement in December 2024, noting their deployment at operational depths beyond 70 kilometers. “They carry two FPV drones and serve as both transport and signal relays to hit deep enemy targets. In my view, this is a genuine breakthrough,” he said.
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Earlier in January, Ukrainian forces showcased a new version of the “mother drone” — a large UAV capable of carrying and releasing up to six FPV drones mid-air.
This innovation, documented in publicly available footage, allows the larger drone to transport strike drones deep into Russian-held territory, acting as a launch platform well beyond the FPVs' usual operational range.
By flying at higher altitudes and avoiding direct exposure to enemy electronic warfare systems, the carrier UAV increases the effectiveness of FPV attacks.
The use of mother drones reflects a broader Ukrainian strategy to create modular combat platforms that extend battlefield reach.
Similar designs have already been implemented at sea: Ukraine’s maritime drones now not only carry explosive payloads but also deploy FPV drones and even launch air-to-air missiles such as the R-73.
These platforms have reportedly been used to destroy Russian air defense systems and aircraft, further underlining the role of drone-based systems in reducing personnel risk while targeting high-value enemy assets.
