FP-2 mid-range drones gain major strike upgrade
AI Analysis
Ukrainian FP-1/FP-2 mid-range drones have been observed deploying unguided air-to-surface rockets in attacks against Russian targets in Crimea, marking the first confirmed use of this capability. These drones can now carry up to four rockets, increasing their multi-target strike capacity and allowing for attacks without direct impact. FirePoint, the manufacturer, currently produces 200 of these drones daily.
Key Takeaways
- FP-1/FP-2 drones are now capable of launching unguided air-to-surface rockets.
- Each drone can carry a payload of up to four rockets.
- Recent attacks targeted Russian mobile air defense groups and Black Sea Fleet communication nodes in Crimea.
- The FP-2 has a range of up to 200km and can carry a 105kg warhead.
- FirePoint has a production capacity of 200 drones per day (as of late 2025).
Why It Matters
This upgrade significantly enhances Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian assets, particularly air defenses, and complicates Russia’s defensive posture. The combination of mass production and increased firepower allows for a more sustained and effective campaign against critical infrastructure and military targets. This development necessitates a reassessment of Russian air defense strategies and potential investment in more robust counter-UAS systems.
FP-2 mid-range drones gain major strike upgrade
Sign up for our newsletter and get our latest content in your inbox.
Subscribe
While yesterday saw the largest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow so far, Ukraine’s mid-range drones appear to have received another significant improvement. They are now able to carry rockets and attack multiple targets.
Ukrainian FP-1/-2 drones now carrying 4 rockets
Last week, Ukraine released the first known footage showing its FP-1/FP-2 mid-range strike drones launching unguided air-to-surface rockets at a Russian mobile air defence group over Crimea. The footage was posted in the 13 TACTICAL Telegram group.
Ukrainian FP-1/FP-2 guided strike drone launching a salvo of unguided air-to-ground rockets against a strategic Black Sea Fleet communications node in Crimea.This is the first footage showing the use of unguided rockets from the FP-1/FP-2 onboard camera. https://t.co/Xp4UiTnvy6 pic.twitter.com/AmyCkTpOV7
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) May 17, 2026
On the 12th, more footage was released showing an FP-1/FP-2 drone launching a salvo of rockets against a Russian Black Sea Fleet communications node, also in Crimea.
It seems the drones are able to carry four rockets. This has the potential to be a very significant development. It increases the number of targets these one-way attack drones are able to hit.
Militaryni wrote, “Such a modification of the drones significantly expands their strike capabilities and allows them to attack ground targets without the drone itself making direct contact.”
The FP-2 is based on the longer-range FP-1 aircraft. It is reported to be able to carry a warhead of up to 105 kgs and has a range of up to 200 kilometres.
Ukraine's General Staff confirmed strikes on a microchip plant producing components for precision weapons, command posts and enemy personnel.Ukrainian forces hit Angstrem plant in Zelenograd specializing in high-tech products and microchips for precision weapons using… pic.twitter.com/cpGQs4MUEr
— WarTranslated (@wartranslated) May 17, 2026
Critically, FirePoint stated in late 2025 that it was able to produce 200 mid-range drones daily. This provides substantial mass, enabling Ukraine to systematically overwhelm and eliminate Russian air defence assets and other targets. Add rockets, and Russia’s challenge becomes even more formidable.
Get the latest aerospace defence news here on AGN.
Ukraine’s increasingly successful mid-range strikes
AGN has previously reported on how Ukraine’s mid-range strikes have dramatically improved in 2026. These strikes are being carried out by drones/cruise missiles like the FirePoint FP-1/-2 drones.
🚀Ukrainian FP-1/FP-2 strike drone launching an unguided air-to-surface rocket at a Russian mobile air defense group during the overnight raid on Crimea.The first known use of unguided air-to-surface rockets from Ukrainian aerial drones. pic.twitter.com/kpiiRbaLno
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1l