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“Smart” Attack Drones Made of Plywood: Ukraine Uses German HF-1 UAVs to Strike Russian Forces

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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“Smart” Attack Drones Made of Plywood: Ukraine Uses German HF-1 UAVs to Strike Russian Forces
HF-1 suicide drone used by Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, built from plywood and equipped with AI-assisted targeting. (Source: Julian Röpcke / X)

Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SOF) have begun using German-manufactured HF-1 drones equipped with artificial intelligence, according to footage published by the German outlet BILD on April 5.

The loitering munitions, produced by the defense technology company Helsing, are currently being deployed in Sumy region.

According to BILD, around 1,000 HF-1 drones have already been delivered to Ukraine, with a total of 10,000 expected under a defense cooperation agreement. The drone model was first reported in November 2024, when Germany announced plans to send 4,000 loitering munitions to Ukraine.

In early 2025, Helsing confirmed that both HF-1 and its newer model, HX-2, would be supplied as part of this package.

The HF-1 drone features an onboard artificial intelligence system designed to autonomously detect, identify, and lock onto targets. However, Ukrainian forces currently operate the drone manually, guiding it to predetermined targets and using a terminal guidance system to bypass Russian electronic warfare (EW) defenses in the final phase of flight.

Operators describe a flight duration of approximately one hour and an effective operational range of 45–50 kilometers, although the drone is technically capable of reaching up to 100 kilometers.

Military personnel note that this range enables them to strike targets in staging areas, during movements to the front line, or in locations where Russian forces are less alert.

The drone is reportedly being used to target air defense systems, logistics hubs, supply warehouses, and armored vehicles.

One notable design feature of the HF-1 is its wooden fuselage. Built from plywood instead of plastic or composite materials, the structure remains functional for flight while being more difficult to detect by radar due to its radio-transparent properties.

According to SOF personnel, the choice of material has no negative impact on the drone’s performance and may even improve its resilience against detection.

The HF-1 is equipped with a guidance system that allows it to autonomously complete its mission if the operator loses video feed or control. Once a target is acquired, the drone maintains its trajectory and strikes without further input.

Ukrainian forces emphasize the need for a greater number of drones and trained operators to expand strike capabilities along the front line.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces used US-supplied Switchblade 600 drones to destroy multiple Russian Buk and Tor air defense systems in the occupied Donetsk region, causing estimated losses of over $50 million.

According to Ukraine’s 14th Separate Regiment of Unmanned Aerial Systems, the precision strikes were carried out using automated guidance systems, bypassing Russian radar defenses.

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