Ukrainian forces are fielding a new reconnaissance-strike drone system, the “Bulava,” designed to penetrate Russian electronic warfare and air defense systems while delivering precision strikes on high-value targets deep in occupied territory.
The Bulava has already been deployed on the front lines, where it has successfully destroyed Russian positions and equipment, according to drone manufacturer officials.
“Bulava is a reconnaissance and loitering munition system with a takeoff weight of about 11 kilograms. It can stay airborne for up to 50 minutes and reach speeds of 100 kilometers per hour,” said Illya, the company’s operations director. “Its precision rate is over 95 percent.”
The system can operate autonomously but achieves extended range when paired with Leleka reconnaissance drones, increasing operational distance from 35 to 55 kilometers.
At the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukrainian drone platoons are training to integrate the Bulava into their missions. Andriy, a platoon commander for unmanned systems, said his crews are completing training with the drone, which allows operators to execute missions from detection to destruction.
“Often, we identify highly-prioritized targets but lack the means to engage them. Bulava gives us the capability to strike effectively and close that gap,” Andriy said.
The drone is equipped with advanced software similar to existing Leleka platforms, allowing trained crews to transition in as little as a week. Operators can select a target up to 3.5 kilometers away and execute an attack with a single mouse click, Illya explained.
Designed in response to battlefield requests from Ukrainian forces, Bulava can be fitted with 10 types of warheads depending on mission requirements. Typical targets include Russian air defense systems, drone crews, and various types of military equipment.
“Our company is ready to provide training for reconnaissance and strike drone operators and to supply five Bulava systems free of charge to each participating unit,” Illya said.
Bulava outperforms Russian-made Lancet in range, versatility, and ability to evade countermeasures.
The system is part of a growing arsenal of Ukrainian-developed unmanned systems reshaping the battlefield in Kyiv’s favor, allowing Ukrainian forces to challenge Russian positions even in heavily defended rear areas.