Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has officially authorized the domestically developed Hromylo first-person view (FPV) drone for use by its armed forces, the ministry announced on January 31. The approval marks another step in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to expand its fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have played a critical role in the country’s defense strategy against Russia.
The Hromylo UAV is an upgraded version of the Hrim FPV drone, designed for various combat applications. Built with a lightweight composite material frame, the drone is powered by brushless motors and a high-capacity 20,000 mAh battery, allowing it to operate over distances of up to 20 kilometers while carrying a 3.5 kg payload. The system is also equipped with either a photosensitive camera or a thermal imaging system, enabling both day and night operations depending on mission requirements.
One of the most notable features of the Hromylo is its reported resistance to electronic warfare (EW) interference. Ukrainian defense officials claim that the UAV is designed to withstand enemy jamming tactics, making it more reliable in contested environments where radio signal disruptions are common.
According to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s defense sector has significantly ramped up domestic drone production, with over 200,000 units delivered to frontline forces by the end of 2024. This surge aligns with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent call to achieve record-breaking drone production levels in 2024.
The addition of the Hromylo UAV reflects a broader push by Ukraine to modernize and expand its unmanned systems. The Ministry of Defense has significantly increased drone authorizations, approving more than 140 UAV models for military use in the first nine months of 2024 alone—more than double the 60 models approved in 2023.
As the war continues, Ukraine’s investment in domestically produced UAVs highlights the growing importance of drone warfare on the battlefield. The Hromylo joins a rapidly expanding fleet of drones designed to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities and counter Russia’s continued military aggression.
