In a significant advancement for Ukraine’s defense technology sector, local firm REACTIVE DRONE has unveiled the POP Fly, a versatile unmanned aerial vehicle ready to redefine battlefield dynamics. This isn’t just another drone; it’s a shape-shifter, engineered to seamlessly transition between high-stakes reconnaissance and precision kamikaze missions, earning it the moniker of Ukraine’s answer to the American Switchblade.
Oleksiy Kolesnyk, Director of REACTIVE DRONE, confirmed to “Militarnyi” that the POP Fly is primed for serial production, pending final testing and official codification for military procurement.
The Power of Two-in-One
The core genius of the POP Fly lies in its modularity. Operators can adapt the drone for specific tasks by swapping out cameras and warheads, making it a true multi-tool for modern warfare.
- Reconnaissance Mode: In its spy configuration, the POP Fly boasts an impressive operational range of 100-120 kilometers. Critically, it’s designed for survival. After completing its mission, the drone can return to base and execute a safe landing via parachute, preserving a valuable asset for future use.
- Strike Mode: When the mission calls for decisive action, the POP Fly transforms into a potent loitering munition. It can be fitted with a 2.5 to 5-kilogram warhead, delivering a powerful punch. In this kamikaze role, its range varies from 50 to 100 kilometers, depending on the payload weight.
A Seamless Battlefield Ecosystem
Drawing clear inspiration from the combat-proven American Switchblade, the POP Fly utilizes a similar tube-based launch system, enabling rapid and mobile deployment.
However, REACTIVE DRONE has taken the concept a step further by building an entire ecosystem. The POP Fly uses the same communication and software backbone as the company’s other successful drones, including the “Shmavik” reconnaissance UAV and the “Kazhan” heavy bombers. This integration allows different drone types to operate in a unified network, sharing data and coordinating actions for a multiplier effect on the battlefield.
While the POP Fly’s concept echoes the Switchblade, it carves out its own niche. For comparison, the American Switchblade 600 carries a heavier 15 kg warhead over a similar range. The POP Fly, however, offers a lighter, more flexible platform, a strategic choice that underscores the dynamic and innovative nature of Ukraine’s burgeoning defense-tech industry. With testing underway, the POP Fly is on a clear path to becoming a codified, army-issue asset, promising to bring a new level of tactical flexibility to the front lines.
Source: MILITARNYI
