Drone warfare in Ukraine: munitions, cameras, and fiber optics
AI Analysis
In Ukraine, approximately 90% of drone munitions are improvised due to a munitions vacuum, with military units developing their own production capabilities. The use of FPV drones and improvised munitions like RPG rockets is increasing, highlighting the adaptability of Ukrainian forces in drone warfare.
Key Takeaways
- 90% of drone munitions in Ukraine are improvised.
- Factory-produced munitions are limited due to state restrictions.
- Military units have developed internal workshops for munition production.
- FPV drones are being used with improvised RPG rockets for targeting.
- Improvised munitions include F1 grenades and plastic explosives.
Why It Matters
The reliance on improvised munitions underscores a significant capability gap in Ukraine's drone warfare strategy, necessitating rapid adaptation and innovation by military units. This situation highlights the urgent need for enhanced production capabilities and strategic procurement to sustain effective drone operations.
Drone warfare in Ukraine: munitions, cameras, and fiber optics
Ukraine's Arms Monitor
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Drone Warfare in Ukraine
Drone warfare in Ukraine: munitions, cameras, and fiber optics
Three key stories: April 3-10, 2026
Apr 11, 2026
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Photo: courtesy of Achilles — the 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade / Facebook
The drone munitions sector in Ukraine is evolving alongside unmanned systems and must be continually adapted, as military units require specific quantities of munitions of varying weights and characteristics for their tasks. The same delivery platform can carry varying amounts of explosive material, enabling different effects. Although the state incentivizes Ukrainian manufacturers, improvised munition production continues to play a significant role in filling this critical capability gap.
In this edition:
Hell’s Kitchen: Drone Munitions in Ukraine;
Can Ukraine Get Rid of Chinese Cameras?
Fiber Optics Are Getting More Expensive — So Are Drones;
and 5+ additional developments in drone warfare in Ukraine and Russia.
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Here is the link to the campaign page - PayPal.
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Hell’s Kitchen: Drone Munitions in Ukraine
Ukraine’s Arms Monitor’s source in the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that around 90% of drone munitions in the military are improvised, while only about 10% are factory-produced. “Factory-produced munitions are always better, as they are properly engineered and tested. But this is not a matter of preference—it is the result of a munitions vacuum. The state does not allow its widespread production, and it takes time to develop and refine solutions. The battlefield, however, demands results “here and now,” the serviceman mentioned. “There have been absurd cases—for example, when a brigade was supplied with 7-inch drones and then, separately, with 8.5 kg aerial bombs. And what were we supposed to do with that?” he added.
As a result, highly skilled personnel have emerged within the military to fill this gap. In practice, almost every unit has its own workshop or production capability. The sources of explosives are either the battlefield itself or repurposed stockpiles.
According to the serviceman, the first munition adapted for drones appeared in 2022—an F1 grenade rigged for release from a Mavic drone. Development was initially very simple: a pipe filled with ~0.5 kg of plastic explosive, plus another 400–500 grams of ball bearings for fragmentation. The focus was on increasing the effect of dropped munitions.
“Then FPV drones appeared. The first munition used was the PG-7—a rocket from an RPG, as the initial focus was on targeting armored vehicles and FPVs were still scarce. A simple activation mechanism