Українська
English
Introduction: Why drones will decide the outcome of operations in 2025
In 2025, drones have become an integral part of warfare: they conduct reconnaissance, adjust artillery, carry out precision strikes, and assist logistics on the front lines. In 2025, the Armed Forces’ drones are no longer a separate novelty, but a systemic tool that reduces risks for personnel and shortens the time from target detection to engagement. Developments in software, optics and communications have increased EW resistance and flight reliability.
This review will help you understand which models of drones are most often used by units and which equipment for the army should be chosen for different tasks. We will focus on practical solutions that have proven effective at the frontline and explain what exactly philanthropists are purchasing.
Context and trends: how the UAF drones of 2025 have evolved
In recent years, drones have evolved from an auxiliary tool to a key component of combat capabilities. Drones for the Armed Forces form a single cycle of "detection - defeat - assessment" in which reconnaissance, correction and targeted strikes work as a single system. This reduces reaction time and increases the accuracy of fire, even in a complex electronic warfare environment.
The evolution has touched on three areas: FPV strike, multi-purpose quadcopters, and fixed-wing for deep reconnaissance. FPVs have become a massive precision tool against armored vehicles and fortifications, while the Mavic-class has established itself as the "eyes of the unit." The wings provide large-area monitoring and communication between levels of command, enhancing artillery and assault operations.
Technical progress has been made in optics, communication channels, and power. Drone models received thermal imaging modules, high-resolution cameras, better video stabilization, and encryption of control channels. Variable frequencies, external antennas, and repeaters have increased survivability in the presence of enemy EW, and battery standardization has simplified logistics.
As a result, drones in the Ukrainian Armed Forces are a flexible ecosystem that adapts to tactics and terrain. Units combine FPVs for strike, quadcopters for correction, and wings for long-range reconnaissance, achieving synergy.
Classification: main categories of UAVs in the units
The current UAV fleet in the military is divided into four categories: reconnaissance quadcopters, FPV strike drones, heavy multicopters, and fixed-wing drones for long-range reconnaissance. This classification reflects the actual roles on the battlefield and helps to plan procurement and operator training correctly.
Reconnaissance quadcopters are used for target acquisition, artillery adjustment, and real-time position monitoring. They are compact, quiet, and quick to deploy, so they have become a standard for squad and company. Typical features include stabilized optics with zoom, a thermal imaging module for nighttime conditions, and interference-resistant communication channels.
Strike FPVs are a highly accurate tool for destroying armored vehicles, radars, warehouses and fortifications. Their strength lies in their speed, maneuverability, and ability to operate in difficult electronic warfare conditions when frequencies and repeaters are properly selected. At the same time, FPVs consume resources: system stocks of frames, ESCs, engines, and batteries are needed to keep up with the pace of operations.
Heavy multicopters are responsible for dropping ammunition and delivering cargo, sometimes evacuating supplies in the dark. Their payload reaches 5-10+ kg, and the platform allows for the installation of certified suspensions and parachute safety systems. For such missions, careful preparation of routes and backup return scenarios are important.
The fixed-wing provides a long flight and a long range, which is critical for battalion/brigade levels. It covers large areas, helping to detect enemy artillery positions and logistics, and supports fire at depth. Models of this class of drones have modular optics, stabilization, and sophisticated launch/landing procedures.
In practice, units combine these categories depending on the mission and terrain. Such a multi-role structure enhances situational awareness and shortens the detection-to-destruction cycle. That is why the army’s equipment is planned in a comprehensive manner: from basic "eyes" to specialized strike and long-range platforms.
Overview of popular models: what really works at the front
FPV strike systems have become the most widespread and flexible tool. Ukrainian configurations on 6-7-inch frames with 6S/8S power are common at the front: Escadrone, Wild Hornet, Warbirds FPV, Angry Fox, Grim 7", Kolchis 7", Lystopad FPV, Bandera, etc. Typical components include 2806.5-3110 engines, ESC 45-55A, 1-2.5 kg payload, night camera or thermal imaging module options, analog or digital video link with frequency switching and repeaters.
For assault groups, FPVs are used to carry out targeted attacks on armored vehicles, radars and fortifications, working where artillery is either "costly" or too slow. The key advantage is speed and maneuverability combined with low-cost components. Limitations - increased losses in a saturated EW environment, so the priority is to unify spare parts and high-quality batteries to keep up the pace.
Reconnaissance-class quadcopters have become the "eyes" of the units. The DJI Mavic 3, 3T and 3E are most often used for fire adjustment, surveillance and documentation. The Mavic 3 provides high-quality daytime imagery and stable flight; the Mavic 3T adds thermal imaging for night missions; the Mavic 3E is useful for engineering and mapping tasks. Common kits include 3-5+ batteries, propeller protection, antenna amplifiers, and low-noise propellers.
Heavy duty multicopters are used for ammunition drops and logistics. DJI Matrice 300 RTK/350 RTK with custom gimbals carry 60/82/120 mm ammunition, deliver cargo, and perform special tasks under electronic warfare cover.
We should also mention the VAMPIR attack drone, a Ukrainian FPV platform with a reinforced frame, powerful propulsion system, and night operation options. "VAMPIR is designed to carry up to 15 kg of ammunition, with a priority on EW resistance, variable frequencies, and operation via a repeater. In practice, it is used to engage armored vehicles, warehouses, and fortified points when accuracy and high approach speed are required.
The fixed-wing provides long-range reconnaissance and long-term patrolling. Shark (Shark UAV) is characterized by stability, flight duration of up to two hours and survivability in difficult radio air. The Leleka-100 is a proven workhorse with a reliable track and modular optics suitable for battalion and brigade levels. The units also use Furia and Valkyrja, which have a convenient launch/landing procedure and flexible sensor modules.
What do philanthropists buy: the experience of the INTERNATIONAL UNITY MOVEMENT
Charitable initiatives focus on closing the bottlenecks of departments. The UNITY MOVEMENT team prioritizes massive FPV kits with unified 6-7" frames, high-quality ESCs and motors, and standardized batteries, which allows for high tempo of operations and quick repairs in the field.
We also purchase Mavic 3/3T/3E reconnaissance quadcopters for correction and surveillance, and DJI Matrice 30T with heat and powerful zoom for difficult conditions. Heavy multicopters and 60/82/120 mm gimbals are also available for drops and logistics.
A separate focus is VAMPIRE for deep reconnaissance at the battalion/brigade level. Such equipment for the army strengthens the detection-to-destruction cycle and ensures the stability of supply expected by units. The key requirements are drone models with proven survivability and serviceability.
Technical emphasis in 2025: what to look for when choosing
In 2025, secure communication channels and operation in the EW environment will become crucial. For FPV, variable frequencies, high-quality antennas, and the ability to connect a repeater are critical; for reconnaissance, a stable, low-latency video link is essential. This directly affects the survivability of the platforms and the quality of the correction.
Optics and sensors ensure efficiency at any time of day or night. Thermal imaging modules, low-lux cameras, reliable stabilization, and zoom make drone models versatile. For military equipment, it is important to plan kits with additional batteries, filters, propellers, and propeller protection.
Bottom line: drones that change the course of battles
The Armed Forces of Ukraine’s drones form an integrated ecosystem: FPVs for strikes, Mavic-class quadcopters for daily adjustments, Shark and Leleka-100 "wings" for deep reconnaissance. The VAMPIRE strike drone, which enhances targeted attacks in complex electronic warfare, stands out.
These models of drones provide a quick cycle of "detection - defeat - assessment" and create an advantage on the battlefield. The charitable organization UNITY INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT addresses critical needs by supplying proven equipment to the army to keep the units on track.
