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Ukraine’s New Radar-Hunting Drone Can Expose Russia’s Air Defenses From Afar
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton has completed integration of a new electronic intelligence (ELINT) module into its Raybird UAV, enhancing the drone’s capability to detect enemy radar, electronic warfare systems, and air defense assets.
According to Defense Express on August 5, the upgraded drone—also known as the Raybird-3 or ACS-3—can now operate at distances up to 70 kilometers while remaining outside the range of hostile weapons. The development was carried out in partnership with Danish company Quadsat.
This adaptation turns the Raybird into a platform for locating sources of radio frequency emissions. It can be used to monitor battlefield conditions and identify electronic warfare threats, as well as assist in suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD).
Globally, such missions are typically carried out by specialized aircraft, often converted business jets such as the French Dassault Archange, which recently began flight testing.
However, unlike crewed aircraft, drones like Raybird present significantly lower operational risks and costs. The UAV’s compact size and mobility allow for flexible deployment without reliance on heavy support infrastructure, while eliminating the risks associated with manned reconnaissance missions.
The lack of aircraft-based ELINT platforms in Ukraine makes this development particularly relevant. The Raybird offers a practical solution for enhancing situational awareness and supporting the coordination of other unmanned systems on the battlefield.
Skyeton has also positioned the drone for non-military use, including maritime surveillance, border patrol, and search-and-rescue operations. Production of the Raybird is expected to begin in the United Kingdom for future use by British defense forces.
Earlier, Skyeton partnered with British firm Prevail Partners to begin local production of the Raybird-3 drone in the UK. The joint venture aims to integrate the combat-tested UAV into the UK defense ecosystem, offering a scalable solution for reconnaissance and intelligence missions while bypassing wartime export restrictions from Ukraine.
