Ukraine developing own recon strike drone (Video)

The state-owned Luch Design Bureau has been developing a Ukrainian-made reconnaissance strike unmanned aerial vehicle, Sokil-300 (Falcon-300).

The budget of the project is about UAH 150 million (US$5.3 million), while the cost of one device will not exceed UAH 40-45 million (US$1.4-1.6 million), as reported by the RFE/RL's Donbas Realii project.

Read alsoUkraine unveils brand new Sokil-300 recon strike drone (Photo)The bureau says the drone, which has already been developed for a year and a half, could be showcased in a year.

The Sokil-300 drone will be smaller than the Ukrainian-made Horlytsia [Turtle Dove] reconnaissance drone.

In addition to reconnaissance capabilities, the new UAV is also designed for strikes. The device will be able to lift 8-10 kg of freight and hit soft targets.

Reconnaissance drones that are already in service in the army could become strike ones after minor upgrades, the bureau added.