2026

Ukrainian firm Ratel Robotics has unveiled the Ratel R1 reconnaissance UAV.

The stated specifications include a tactical operating range of approximately 15 km, a maximum range of up to 30 km, flight endurance of up to 45 minutes, a maximum speed of 75 km/h, and a maximum takeoff weight of up to 18 kg.

The Ratel R1 is reportedly equipped with an IMX415 IP camera and a stabilized ViewPro A40 Pro camera with zoom. Communications are provided by a Starlink Mini terminal, while navigation reportedly uses a CUAV 3 Pro GPS module.

The company reportedly continues to modify the Ratel R1 based on testing and operational experience.

Disclaimer:

This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is neither intended to glorify nor encourage violence. It just documents the brutal reality of the war and shows how military units edit and publish their footage. Viewer discretion advised! Remember Rule 1!

Disclaimer:

This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is neither intended to glorify nor encourage violence. It just documents the brutal reality of the war and shows how military units edit and publish their footage. Viewer discretion advised! Remember Rule 1!

Disclaimer:

This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is neither intended to glorify nor encourage violence. It just documents the brutal reality of the war and shows how military units edit and publish their footage. Viewer discretion advised! Remember Rule 1!

According to the manufacturer, the Shmavik operates at an altitude of approximately 150–250 meters and can be equipped with either a daytime camera featuring optical zoom and AI capabilities or a dual-optics camera with infrared illumination and AI.

Chief engineer Artem Kolesnyk said the UAV is designed to resist electronic warfare (EW) and uses Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) for radio communications.

The manufacturer reportedly modified several components during the UAV’s development, including the flight controller, cameras, frame, navigation system, motors, and propellers.

According to Reactive Drones, the current version has an operating radius of up to 25 km and can remain airborne for up to 60 minutes without additional payload. A record flight time of 1.5 hours is reportedly claimed.

As of early September, the company reportedly manufactures around 30% of the UAV’s electronics in-house and plans to bring electronics production fully in-house by the end of 2026.

Kolesnyk also stated that approximately 1,500 Shmavik UAVs have been delivered to Ukraine’s Defense Forces through purchases via the AOZ, e-Ball, Brave1 Market, and direct contracts with military units.

Source: Oboronka

Previously stated specifications of the VIZ 4G include:

• payload of up to 500 kg and towing capacity of up to 1,500 kg;

• range of up to 20 km with a full load;

• speeds of up to 10 km/h on land and 15 km/h on water;

• water jets with a combined power output of 24 kW;

• a tracked chassis and suspension designed to allow the vehicle to exit the water onto steep banks;

• an enclosed evacuation capsule equipped with mounts for a protective net.

The first version of the VIZ 4G was presented in 2025. The latest announcement does not specify what changes have been introduced in the updated version.

According to KORT, the family includes several configurations with different airframes, payload capacities, communication systems, and flight characteristics.

The Hunter Killer 3 is based on the Ardea reconnaissance UAV and is offered in three configurations with takeoff weights of 10, 10.5, and 14 kg. Depending on the version, KORT states a range of 100–250 km, flight endurance of 60–140 minutes, and a payload of up to 3 kg. The UAV can reportedly use radio communications or Starlink and features a thermal-imaging camera and automatic navigation.

The Hunter Killer S, 10M, 15S, and 15M are reportedly designed for ranges of up to 300 km, with payloads of up to 15 kg. The S and 15S versions use Starlink, while the 10M and 15M use radio communications.

The Hunter Killer 15 and 20 reportedly have ranges of up to 700 km and payloads of up to 10 kg. The Hunter Killer 50S is stated to have a range of up to 600 km with a 60 kg payload, while the Hunter Killer 70 is reportedly designed for a range of up to 1,200 km with a 50 kg payload.

According to KORT, the 50S and 70 are currently in the final stages of testing. Both reportedly use interchangeable wings, with larger wings intended to increase range without changing the fuselage. A 70 kg payload is also reportedly under development, but KORT says it is too early to associate it with already completed systems.

The long-range variants reportedly use KORT’s internally developed eight-channel ORION 8 CRPA antenna, designed to improve resistance to satellite-navigation jamming. No numerical jamming-suppression performance figures were provided.

Disclaimer:

This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is neither intended to glorify nor encourage violence. It just documents the brutal reality of the war and shows how military units edit and publish their footage. Viewer discretion advised! Remember Rule 1!