Ukraine’s Shchedryk Surveillance Drone Approved for Military Operations

Україна‘s Ministry of Defense has authorized the deployment of the Shchedryk unmanned aerial system, a domestically developed drone capable of penetrating up to 40 kilometers into enemy rear areas at speeds reaching 150 kilometers per hour (93 mph). The announcement came through an official statement by the ministry’s press service, reports Укрінформ.

Developed in Vinnytsia, the Shchedryk system represents a significant advancement in Ukraine’s domestic drone manufacturing capabilities. The system, named after the Ukrainian New Year carol that became internationally known as “Carol of the Bells,” demonstrates sophisticated battlefield surveillance capabilities in both daylight and nighttime conditions.

The unmanned complex consists of a ground control station and remotely controlled aircraft equipped with silent electric engines. A key feature of the system is its enhanced resistance to electronic warfare measures, reflecting the challenges of modern battlefield environments.

“The capabilities of the aircraft and its optical equipment allow it to operate from altitudes that are hard to reach for most enemy air defense systems,” Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov stated.

The system’s environmental adaptability enables operations in strong winds and extreme temperatures, while extended battery life supports prolonged mission times.

The Shchedryk’s approval comes amid a significant scaling up of Ukraine’s domestic drone production, with over 200,000 domestically-manufactured drones delivered to front-line units in December 2024 alone. This development follows other recent authorizations, including the Wolly unmanned combat module, highlighting Ukraine’s expanding indigenous unmanned systems capabilities.

The drone’s combination of speed, range, and electronic warfare resistance addresses critical operational requirements for battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Its domestic development also reflects Ukraine’s strategic push toward self-sufficiency in military technology.

The Ministry of Defense’s approval process has validated the Shchedryk’s readiness for deployment, adding another capability to Ukraine’s growing arsenal of domestically produced unmanned systems.