Ukraine Tests ‘Mother Drone’—An Advanced FPV Carrier System

Ukraine has introduced a groundbreaking development in drone technology—a large carrier drone, dubbed the ‘Mother Drone,’ specifically designed to support FPV systems.

This innovation, already undergoing testing on the battlefield, was highlighted by Colonel Vadym Sukharevsky, Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Unmanned Systems Forces, during the European Defense Industry Conference in Kyiv.

Sukharevsky explained that the ‘Mother Drone’ is capable of carrying two FPV drones, enabling it to serve as both a transport platform and a signal relay system. With a range exceeding 70 kilometers, it targets enemy positions deep behind the frontline. “This is a true breakthrough in drone warfare. These systems enhance our ability to strike effectively in areas previously beyond our reach,” Sukharevsky noted.

According to Defense Express, one notable early deployment of the ‘Mother Drone’ is with the 414th Separate Marine Corps Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, widely recognized by the name ‘Magyar’s Birds.’ Robert ‘Magyar’ Brovdi, the unit’s commander, introduced the first operational model and acknowledged the contributions of volunteers who helped bring the project to fruition.

While specific technical details of the ‘Mother Drone’ remain classified, its primary functions are clear. Beyond its ability to carry and deploy lighter attack drones, it significantly enhances operational range and ensures reliable communication through its relay capabilities. This dual-purpose design aims to address the challenges of deep penetration and effective coordination in drone operations.

The concept marks a pivotal step in the evolution of FPV drone systems, as the ‘Mother Drone’ extends their reach and versatility. Its full potential will likely become evident as it sees further use in combat scenarios.

For now, the details of its flight range, payload capacity, and communication systems remain undisclosed to prevent revealing critical information to adversaries.

Earlier, Ukraine announced the development of a laser weapon named ‘Tryzub,’ capable of targeting aircraft at altitudes over 2 kilometers. According to Colonel Vadym Sukharevsky, this positions Ukraine among the few nations globally with such advanced technology. Efforts to scale and enhance the system are already underway.