Ukraine’s New Winged FPV Drones Could Now Strike Deeper Behind Russian Lines

Ukraine has begun using modified FPV quadcopters equipped with fixed wings to strike Russian forces, expanding the operational range of small attack drones.

According to Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi on April 8, Russian drone operators from the “Rubikon” unit captured footage of one such system in use, which was later analyzed by open-source intelligence observer Grandpa Roy. He described the concept as “a very promising and important development in the war of small drones.”

The modification involves adding aerodynamic wings to a standard FPV quadcopter. This design provides additional lift, reducing the energy required to stay airborne and allowing the drone to travel longer distances compared to conventional FPV systems.

According to Militarnyi, the improved efficiency enables operators to strike targets deeper behind Russian lines. The platform shown in the footage appears to carry a PG-7 munition, commonly used against armored vehicles, fortifications, and personnel.

Earlier in April, ABC News reported that Ukraine launched more long-range attack drones than Russia in March for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion, based on data from both sides.

The outlet noted that while the figures cannot be independently verified, they indicate a shift in the scale of the aerial campaign, with Ukraine increasing its domestic strike capabilities and narrowing Russia’s previous advantage in long-range drone warfare.

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