Ukraine’s New Kamikaze Drone Stick M12 Pushes Boundaries in Long-Range Warfare

Ukrainian defense company United Military Solutions has unveiled a game-changing addition to their arsenal – the Stick M12 loitering munition. This new kamikaze drone marks a significant leap forward in Ukraine’s domestic drone manufacturing capabilities, showcasing the country’s commitment to technological advancement amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.

Engineering Marvel

The Stick M12 isn’t just another drone; it’s a testament to Ukrainian engineering prowess. With an impressive operational range of up to 70 km (43.5 miles), this fixed-wing “Wing” type UAV can strike deep behind enemy lines. Its endurance is equally noteworthy, boasting the ability to stay airborne for over an hour, allowing it to loiter and wait for the perfect moment to engage its target.

Powered by a single electric motor located in the rear, the Stick M12 balances power and stealth. The business end of this drone – its warhead – is strategically placed in the front section, ready to deliver a decisive blow.

Versatile Combat Asset

This versatile weapon system is designed to engage various targets, from stationary objectives and armored vehicles to enemy personnel concentrations, making it a valuable asset across different combat scenarios.

Swift Deployment

The journey of the Stick M12 from concept to combat has been swift. In June, the 100th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces became the first unit to receive these drones. The initial batch consisted of 10 Stick M12 units, with a total cost of 1.05 million hryvnias (approximately $27,700 USD), putting the per-unit cost at about 100,000 hryvnias ($2,770 USD).

A brigade commander, clearly impressed with the new hardware, stated: “These ‘birds’ will help our ‘steel’ warriors send more Russians to hell and turn plenty of enemy equipment into scrap metal.”

Cost-Effective Warfare

At roughly $2,770 per unit, the Stick M12 represents an interesting point in the cost-effectiveness spectrum of modern warfare. It’s cheap enough to be deployed in significant numbers, yet capable enough to potentially take out targets worth many times its value.

Ecosystem of Innovation

The story of the Stick M12 isn’t just about the drone itself, but also about the ecosystem supporting its development. United Military Solutions has set up production facilities in Zhytomyr Oblast, highlighting the decentralization of Ukraine’s defense industry. A key partnership has been formed with the Humanitarian Hub “Zhytomyr” charity foundation, bridging the gap between civil society and defense production.

Vitaliy Bunechko, head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, shared his optimism: “Thanks to this cooperation, our military will soon receive new reconnaissance and strike drones.”

Evolving Drone Warfare

The introduction of the Stick M12 comes at a time when drone warfare is evolving rapidly. It joins a growing category of “kamikaze drones” that have proven highly effective in recent conflicts. For a defending nation like Ukraine, such drones provide an asymmetric advantage against a larger invading force.

Tactical and Strategic Impact

The deployment of Stick M12 drones could significantly alter tactical and strategic calculations. Its 70 km range allows Ukrainian forces to strike targets well behind the front lines, potentially disrupting enemy logistics and command structures. The ability to loiter and select targets carefully could reduce collateral damage and increase mission effectiveness. Moreover, the mere presence of such drones could force enemy forces to alter their behavior, knowing they could be struck at any time.

DroneXL’s Take

The emergence of the Stick M12 is a prime example of the rapid innovation we’re seeing in drone technology, especially in conflict zones. It’s part of a broader trend where smaller nations and non-state actors are leveraging relatively low-cost drone technology to level the playing field against larger, more conventionally powerful opponents.

The Stick M12’s reported 70 km range puts it in a similar class to other notable loitering munitions like the Israeli-made Harop or the Turkish Kargu-2. However, its apparent low cost could be a game-changer, potentially allowing for more widespread deployment.

We’ve seen how effective long-range loitering munitions can be in recent conflicts, from Nagorno-Karabakh to Ukraine. The Stick M12 seems poised to add another dimension to this evolving form of warfare.

As always, we at DroneXL will continue to monitor these developments closely. The rapid pace of drone innovation in conflict zones often leads to advancements that eventually trickle down to civilian and commercial applications.

What are your thoughts on the Stick M12 and its potential impact on modern warfare? Do you see parallels with other drone developments we’ve covered? Share your insights in the comments section below – we’re always keen to hear our readers’ perspectives on these cutting-edge developments.

Photos couretest of 100th Separate Mechanized Brigade / Militarnyi