As intense electronic warfare continues to challenge radio-frequency loitering munitions on modern battlefields, Ukrainian defense-tech manufacturer Stellarion is expanding its combat-proven, jam-resistant arsenal.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has officially codified the Deadliner Q15-30, the newest extended-range model in Stellarion’s fiber-optic FPV drone series. The clearance clears the platform for direct procurement by the Defense Forces of Ukraine through official state defense innovation channels, including Brave1 and the DOT-Chain digital procurement system. Orders are scheduled to open in the coming weeks.
Developed directly in response to frontline combat feedback, the Q15-30 leverages a physical optical fiber link, rendering it completely immune to standard radio-frequency jamming and detection while transmitting uncompressed, zero-latency video directly to operators.
Key Technical Specifications
The Deadliner Q15-30 is designed for deep tactical interdiction and high-payload precision strikes:
Operational Range: Up to 30 km
Payload Capacity: Up to 3 kg
Endurance: Minimum 30 minutes flight time
Cruising Speed: 65 km/h
Maximum Speed: 110 km/h
Optical Suite: Combined day and thermal imaging capabilities for 24/7 day-and-night operations
Architecture: Modular configurations supporting either analog or digital video transmission channels depending on mission requirements
Validated Combat Performance and Pipeline
Fiber-optic drones have rapidly shifted from experimental hardware to frontline mainstays. Stellarion’s Deadliner platforms are already extensively deployed across operational units.
According to an official report by the Defense Forces of Ukraine from July 2026, the Deadliner Q1 secured the second spot in the overarching ranking of fiber-optic strike systems and continues to hold the top leadership position among fiber-optic drones operating within Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces. The manufacturer reports an overall mission success rate exceeding 70% across the Deadliner product line.
“The codification of Deadliner Q15-30 marks the next stage in the series’ evolution. We continuously refine Deadliner based on frontline combat experience and feedback from military operators”, said a Stellarion representative. “We are also actively working on the codification of Deadliner variants with ranges of 35 km and 40 km to provide units with a broader operational toolkit for diverse combat missions”.
With mass procurement on the horizon and extended 35-km and 40-km variants currently navigating the certification pipeline, Stellarion’s roadmap highlights a broader industry shift: optical tethering is moving rapidly from short-range tactical niches into long-range, EW-agnostic precision strike doctrine.
