Ukraine's "Bulava" drone: The new force in aerial combat
Fragments of an unidentified kamikaze drone have been discovered in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine. Images of the wreckage have surfaced on the Telegram platform. The drone bears a resemblance to a Ukrainian loitering munition with a distinctive X-shaped wing, similar to the Russian Lancet drone, reports Defence Blog.
Although there is no official confirmation regarding the type of drone, Russian sources suggest it might be the "Bulava," a loitering munition developed by the Ukrainian company DeViro, also known by its export name, Mace. This system was designed at the request of the Ukrainian military for precise attacks on key Russian targets.
Drone war in Ukraine
Ukrainian kamikaze drones "Bulava" are modern unmanned aerial vehicles engineered for the precise destruction of enemy targets. Their primary function is to eliminate strategic enemy objects through direct strikes, making them a potent tool in combat operations.
The "Bulava" can operate within a range of over 30 miles, with a maximum flight time of up to 50 minutes. The drone's design features a distinctive X-shaped tail, which provides stability and manoeuvrability during missions. Thanks to advanced guidance systems, the "Bulava" can accurately hit designated targets, minimising risk to friendly forces.
According to the manufacturer’s data, the "Bulava" has a total take-off weight of approximately 11 kilograms. The drone is launched using a catapult system, then switches to electric propulsion, reaching a maximum speed of about 100 km/h. As noted by Defence Blog, the "Bulava" commonly employs a Ukrainian cumulative-thermobaric warhead, maximising effectiveness during strikes on enemy positions.
The production of these drones occurs within the framework of Ukrainian-Czech cooperation, located in Kolin, Czech Republic. Annually, around 100 units are produced, which are then delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces, enhancing their combat potential.
