Ukraine’s Defender Dynamics has developed a series of Foton attack drones, with frame sizes ranging from 7 inches to 11.2 inches, capable of destroying enemy drones in automatic mode. These drones are equipped with one or two launch tubes, and can carry up to six, depending on the carrier’s characteristics. Defender Dynamics Director Yevgen Kilenko told the media: “Six launch tubes mean six shots can be fired. Each loaded tube weighs 500 grams. The drone can be customized with mounts for any weight of launch ammunition and can fire from all tubes simultaneously or sequentially.”
(Defender Dynamics’ Foton attack drone)
Both the launch tubes and software are designed in-house, and the drones use aluminum frames manufactured in Ukraine. Other components are also sourced from Ukrainian manufacturers whenever possible. The drone can strike targets automatically. The Foton drone captures the target and uses LiDAR to calculate the distance to it.
Yevgen Kilenko stated: “Currently, the pilot launches the drone and flies it to the area where enemy targets are located. Once in the area, the pilot can switch the controller to ‘kill mode,’ and the drone will automatically search for a target to destroy. Once it finds a target, it locks on and moves toward it. When the LiDAR authorizes firing, the shot is executed automatically.”
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The drone operator can also fire manually, but automatic operation is more popular—for example, when hunting enemy scouts at night. The drone can work with digital, analog, thermal, and low-light cameras. The maximum strike range is 5 meters, with a minimum range of 0.5 meters. The Foton drone fires 12-gauge ammunition, either buckshot or pellets. According to the company’s head, other ammunition types can also be used upon request. Theoretically, the Foton drone can use almost any type of ammunition. We use titanium barrels that are extremely durable and lightweight.
The Foton drone development program is now in its final stages. Flight tests have been completed, including tests on a 10-inch FPV drone. The company’s next step is to integrate the frame and software into aerial drones for hunting enemy reconnaissance UAVs, such as the “Zala,” “Orlan,” and “SuperCam.” The company is currently preparing multiple aircraft for direct frontline combat for the Ukrainian defense forces.
