Lithuania delivers first batch of Shpak FPV drones to Ukraine.

According to Defence Industry Europe on October 26, 2024, Lithuanian drone manufacturer RSI Europe delivered the first batch of FPV drones, named Shpak, to Ukraine as part of a contract initiated by Lithuania in August. The Shpak is a 10-inch FPV quadcopter designed for military use, capable of carrying up to 5 kg of explosives and featuring a remotely controlled impact initiation system.
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The Shpak FPV drone incorporates radio frequency hopping technology to reduce vulnerability to enemy electronic warfare, while the ground control station comes with an antenna, allowing operators to control the drones from a safe distance. (Picture source: RSI Europe)

This delivery marks the first under a $4 million contract to supply Shpak drones to both the Ukrainian and Lithuanian Armed Forces. It is Lithuania’s first large-scale acquisition of FPV drones for its military. Since June 2024, RSI Europe has also been conducting FPV pilot training for Lithuanian forces to ensure the effective use of these drones. Additionally, RSI Europe has collaborated with the State Emergency Services of Ukraine on non-military applications, such as clearing minefields. Earlier this week, RSI Europe hosted a Ukrainian delegation and conducted field tests of the Shpak drone and other technologies to explore their potential for addressing challenges beyond military operations.

FPV drones like the Shpak have played a role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These drones are designed for long-range control, with the Shpak capable of a 20-kilometer range and speeds of up to 150 km/h. With a payload capacity of up to 5 kg, the drone can be used for both reconnaissance and offensive missions. The Shpak is also equipped with dual communication channels for control and video transmission, enhancing its resilience in environments with significant electronic interference.

Lithuania’s support for Ukraine is part of a broader drone procurement initiative. By fall 2024, Lithuania plans to deliver over 2,300 drones to its military, while nearly 5,000 drones will be supplied to Ukraine. Following tests by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, contracts were signed with five Lithuanian drone manufacturers to provide drones that meet Ukraine’s operational needs. During the Defending Baltics conference held earlier in October 2024 in Vilnius, Ukrainian defense expert Yuriy Butusov discussed the role of drones in the current conflict. He emphasized the importance of FPV drones, such as the Shpak, in targeting enemy forces. Butusov shared data showing that a Ukrainian drone unit has reportedly destroyed more than 15,000 targets since the start of the war, highlighting the growing significance of FPV drones in these operations.

The conflict in Ukraine has underscored the importance of logistics in the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The war has highlighted the effectiveness of small, affordable drones, such as FPV racing and filming drones, which have been repurposed for military use. These drones are employed for reconnaissance, targeting, and direct strikes. FPV drones are often loaded with explosives for precision strikes on single targets.

Scaling the deployment of these drones has presented logistical challenges. Ukraine has increased domestic production and is expected to exceed its 2024 goal of producing one million FPV drones. This effort has been supported by Ukraine's tech sector and private partnerships, establishing a supply chain for these drones. However, reliance on imported components, particularly from China, continues to be a bottleneck for drone production in both Ukraine and Russia.

The ability to mass-produce and deploy these drones has been a key element of Ukraine’s defense strategy, especially as the conflict results in the loss of thousands of drones each month. The ongoing drone conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to evolve, with both sides employing counter-UAV measures, including electronic warfare. This technological competition highlights the need for continued innovation and logistical planning to sustain the effectiveness of drones on the battlefield.