Ukrainian FPV drone destroys enemy infantryman with grenade launcher for the first time

The Bulava unmanned systems unit of the 3rd Mechanised Battalion of the Bohdan Khmelnytsky Separate Presidential Brigade successfully tested a Queen Hornets drone with a grenade launcher in combat conditions, eliminating a Russian soldier.

Here's What We Know

This is the first combat use of "pocket artillery" in the form of a hand-held, disposable grenade launcher mounted on a drone. A large 15-inch Queen Hornets FPV drone, also known as the "Queen Hornet", fired a grenade launcher at an enemy soldier.

The Bulava unit first announced the testing of this system in September last year. However, the idea of using a drone to fire an anti-tank grenade launcher had been discussed a year earlier. According to a unit member with the call sign 'Udav', the 'Queen of Hornets' has opened up new possibilities due to its manoeuvrability and ability to easily change the angle of attack.

The drone was developed by the Ukrainian company Wild Hornets as a heavy FPV bomber capable of carrying up to 9.5 kilograms over short distances or a lighter payload up to 17 kilometres. A modified version of the drone with a grenade launcher is designed for urban combat, assault support and vehicle destruction.

During the tests, Queen Hornets was equipped with Bulgarian Bulspike-AP hand-held grenade launchers with an OG-22M rocket-propelled grenade. The ammunition weighs 2 kilograms, produces more than a thousand pieces of fragments when it explodes, and has a direct fire range of about 100 metres.

"Udav shared his vision of the future, where assault groups will be covered by drones with grenade launchers and small arms. According to him, this will significantly increase the effectiveness of battles, especially in cases where it is necessary to neutralise fortified enemy positions or finish off damaged equipment.

Source: "Wild Hornets"