Ukraine Unveils “Bulava” AI Suicide Drone to Target Russian Air Defenses and Armor

Ukrainian drone manufacturer DeViRo introduced its latest “Bulava ” reconnaissance and strike drone system at the Defense Tech Innovations Forum 2025, Ukrainian military media Militarny reported on February 21.

Developed at the request of the Ukrainian military, the “Bulava” is designed to carry out high-precision strikes on key Russian targets, including armored vehicles, air defense systems, and electronic warfare units.

The Bulava system includes:

• Suicide drones with X-shaped tail fins.

• A ground control station.

• Relay drones for extended operational range.

• Reconnaissance tools for autonomous target acquisition.

The drone is equipped with a 3.6 kg warhead, primarily a cumulative thermobaric charge produced in Ukraine.

According to Denys Cherednychenko, co-founder of DeViRo, the Bulava has been in active combat use since 2024.

“‘Bulava’ has already struck Russian targets 55 kilometers from its launch point,” Cherednychenko stated.

“Bulava’s” key specifications:

• Total weight: 11.5 kg

• Max speed: ~100 km/h

• Flight time: Up to 50 minutes

• Max altitude: 2,000 meters

• Launch method: Catapult-assisted

• Operational range: 55 km with a relay drone, 35 km without

Equipped with an AI-driven optical targeting system, “Bulava” can autonomously lock onto targets, even in low visibility conditions, using daylight and thermal imaging cameras.

To counter Russian electronic warfare, the drone features jamming-resistant communication and utilizes MESH technology for data transmission via a relay drone, extending its effective range.

Thanks to its X-shaped tail fins, Bulava offers high maneuverability, making it difficult to intercept.

Earlier, Ukraine unveiled an innovative amphibious FPV drone capable of submerging underwater and striking a target afterward.