Ukraine Makes Bold Move to Replace DJI Mavic 3 with Home-Grown Military Drones

In a significant shift toward military independence, Ukrainian manufacturers have unveiled their first domestically produced reconnaissance drones designed to replace the Chinese DJI Mavic 3 series widely used on the frontlines. The presentation, which took place at a testing ground with the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, marks a crucial step in reducing dependency on foreign drone suppliers, according to Ukrinform.

Strategic Push for Domestic Production

“Achieving a full production cycle is one of the industry’s current challenges,” Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin emphasized.

The initiative involves eight Ukrainian manufacturers working to create drones that match or exceed the capabilities of the popular DJI Mavic series, while ensuring complete production independence from foreign suppliers.

Combat-Ready Features

The new Ukrainian drones aren’t just Mavic copies – they’re purpose-built for warfare. One of the standout models features an impressive operational range of over 40 kilometers and can stay airborne for up to an hour. The drone operates at a working altitude of 350 meters and comes equipped with 30x optical zoom capabilities. Perhaps most importantly, it demonstrates superior resistance to electronic warfare compared to civilian models.

“Civilian drones under electronic warfare cannot fully perform their functions,” explained Anton, a manufacturer representative. “The most important thing is to reach the mission point. In this regard, our drone significantly outperforms the Mavic.”

The new drone is also user-friendly, with Anton noting that Mavic pilots need only 15-20 minutes to master the controls.

Manufacturing Challenges and Solutions

The path to domestic production faces some economic hurdles. While a Chinese motor costs around $70, its Ukrainian counterpart runs about $150. Each production mold costs between $10,000 and $20,000, with about 50 molds needed for full production capability.

“Ukraine can produce everything domestically, but initially, it will be more expensive. As production scales, costs will decrease,” explained Marko, another manufacturer representative.

The ministry’s scaling strategy seems to be working – Ukrainian drone production capacity in 2024 has reportedly increased more than tenfold compared to 2023.

Government Support and Future Plans

The Ministry of Strategic Industries is taking a proactive approach by coordinating with the General Staff to determine optimal models for procurement. They’re focusing on quality, volume, and delivery speed while prioritizing domestic manufacturers regardless of ownership structure.

“The Ministry of Defense should prioritize maximum procurement from domestic manufacturers,” Smetanin stressed, highlighting the government’s commitment to building a sustainable domestic Drone Industry.

DroneXL’s Take

This development represents a fascinating evolution in military drone technology. While DJI has dominated the reconnaissance drone market, Ukraine’s move to develop EW-resistant alternatives shows how combat requirements are driving innovation. The focus on electronic warfare resistance particularly stands out – it’s a capability that separates military-grade drones from their civilian counterparts. While the initial costs may be higher, the strategic value of having a domestic supply chain for military-specific drones cannot be understated.

What do you think about Ukraine’s ambitious plan to replace Chinese drones with domestic alternatives? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Photos courtesy of UKR Inform.