Lithuanian-Made Shpak FPV Drones Join Ukraine’s Defense Arsenal

A new player has entered Ukraine‘s drone warfare scene – the Shpak, a powerful 10-inch FPV quadcopter developed by RSI Europe.

Features That Pack a Punch

The Shpak’s not your average drone. It’s built specifically for military operations with a hefty 5 kg (11 lb) payload capacity and remote-controlled impact initiation system. What’s really clever is its radio frequency hopping tech that helps it dodge enemy electronic warfare attempts.

Impressive Combat Stats

At the Defending Baltics conference in Vilnius, Ukrainian defense expert Yuriy Butusov shared some eye-opening numbers. “Drones are the main weapon currently used to destroy Russian forces,” he noted, revealing that a single Ukrainian drone unit has taken out more than 15,000 enemy targets since the conflict began, according to Defence Industry.

The Story Behind the Name

There’s meaning behind calling it “Shpak.” RSI L'Europe‘s CEO T. Milašauskas explains: “The word špokas (starling) has been used since the time of the Republic of the Two Nations… We, Lithuanians, as well as Poles and Ukrainians call starling birds ‘špokas’, but Russians do not.” It’s a subtle nod to the shared heritage of the allied nations.

Major Contract Win

This delivery kicks off a $4 million contract that’ll supply Shpaks to both Ukrainian and Lithuanian Armed Forces – marking Lithuania’s first major FPV drone acquisition. RSI Europe’s also been training Lithuanian forces on FPV operations since June 2024.

DroneXL’s Take

Looking at the bigger picture, this development aligns with the growing trend of drone technology reshaping modern warfare. The Shpak’s deployment shows how smaller nations like Lithuania are stepping up to provide innovative drone solutions in response to regional security challenges. The combination of sophisticated anti-jamming capabilities and significant payload capacity makes the Shpak a formidable addition to Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

What do you think about the Shpak drone’s potential impact on the battlefield? Share your thoughts in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​