Ukrainian ‘Mother Drone’ Targets Russia’s Kursk Region (Video)

Ukrainian forces have revealed the use of a new weapon in their growing arsenal of unmanned systems — a so-called “mother drone” capable of deploying explosive FPV drones deep into Russian territory. The footage, shared by Vadym Sukharevskyi, Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, was presented at the “European Defence Industry: Prospects for Cooperation with the Ukrainian Defence Industry” conference.

This unique drone platform uses a wing-type reconnaissance drone to carry two smaller kamikaze FPV drones and act as a communications relay. The system allows the FPVs to strike targets up to 60 kilometres from the launch point, and up to 70 kilometres with newer models. Each FPV drone carries a 400 gram warhead — not strong enough to take out heavy armour or bunkers, but highly effective against air defence systems, exposed vehicles, and construction equipment.

According to Ukrainian military sources, the 413th Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion recently used the system to target Russian engineering equipment near Kursk, about 55 kilometres from Ukraine’s border. This equipment was reportedly being used to construct new Russian defensive lines, signalling continued Russian efforts to fortify the region.

This approach is not new to Ukraine. The Armed Forces began using mother drones in late 2024, and since then have explored various platforms — from multicopters and fixed-wing UAVs to balloons and naval drones. In September 2024, the Ukrainian company Skifton presented a version of its Raybird drone that can deliver FPVs to targets up to 80 kilometres away, acting as both carrier and signal booster. In March 2025, a Ukrainian-designed aerostat was also introduced to launch FPV interceptors to destroy Russian Shahed-type drones in mid-air.

The Kursk region operation also highlighted another unexpected twist — Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed a rare North Korean M1978 Koksan self-propelled gun, one of the longest range artillery pieces ever made. It was likely supplied by North Korea to Russia due to shortages of modern equipment. The outdated 170mm gun, which lumbered across open terrain, was located by drone and eliminated by Ukrainian precision fire.

This incident underlined Russia’s reliance on foreign and outdated hardware to sustain its war. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to embrace bold, innovative, low-cost methods. One notable example is the use of shotguns mounted on drones to hunt down Russian quadcopters. Ukrainian operators now fly modified quadcopters equipped with semi-automatic shotguns to intercept enemy drones at close range — a practical method especially effective against small, agile UAVs.

These tactics reflect Ukraine’s adaptability on the battlefield. While Russia pours billions into a war machine weighed down by corruption, ageing technology, and strategic blunders, Ukraine leverages ingenuity to counter an overwhelmingly larger force.

Russia’s military spending reportedly hit 13 trillion rubles — approximately £111 billion (or $155 billion) — as its economy shifts into full wartime footing. Yet, images from the battlefield, including Russian soldiers relying on livestock and decades-old vehicles like the Shishiga truck, paint a picture of a crumbling military effort.