Ukrainian company F-Drones has unveiled the F5, a compact five-inch first-person view drone built for frontline military operations, according to the manufacturer.
F-Drones designed the unmanned aerial vehicle specifically to meet the tactical needs of assault units. The aircraft is intended for missions in forest belts, urban environments, and during position defense operations.
Range and control variants
The F5 drone can carry a payload of up to one kilogram. F-Drones is producing the aircraft in two distinct control configurations, offering operators either a traditional radio link or an optical fiber system.
The radio-controlled variant has a declared maximum operating range of up to 13 kilometers. In contrast, the tethered fiber-optic system provides an operational range of approximately six kilometers.
Frontline transport and logistics
The small physical dimensions of the drone are designed to simplify transportation to forward combat positions. F-Drones stated that infantry troops can pack several F5 drones inside a single backpack.
For larger logistics operations, the manufacturer noted that a ground robotic complex is capable of transporting and delivering up to nine F5 drones at the same time.
Military testing and codification
The F5 features a codified electronic initiation board named Opera. F-Drones confirmed that the drone has successfully completed official testing and codification by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
First-person view (FPV) drones give operators real-time video streaming to maneuver precisely in combat environments. Guidance systems using fiber-optic cables provide resistance against enemy electronic warfare by eliminating radio frequency signals, while official codification by Ukraine's defense ministry enables formal military procurement and frontline deployment.
Related defense technology developments
The announcement follows several other recent domestic defense developments in Ukraine reported by news outlet LIGA.net. Recent reveals include a jet-powered interceptor drone capable of reaching speeds over 400 kilometers per hour to counter Shahed strike drones, as well as an updated detection module for the Chuyka 4.0 UAV search system.
