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Ukraine Enhances its Aerial Reconnaissance with Shark-M Drone Reaching 180 km.
Ukrspecsystems, a Ukrainian company specializing in reconnaissance drone development, has unveiled the SHARK-M, an improved version of its predecessor, the SHARK-D. Designed for deep reconnaissance missions and to serve as a signal relay for attack drones, this new model features a significant increase in endurance, resistance to electronic interference, and the ability to operate in challenging environments.
With a wingspan of 3.4 meters, the same as the SHARK-D, the SHARK-M has an extended communication range of up to 180 km, more than twice that of previous models (Picture source: Ukrspecsystems)
Ukrspecsystems, a Ukrainian company specializing in reconnaissance drone development, has unveiled the SHARK-M, an improved version of its predecessor, the SHARK-D. Designed for deep reconnaissance missions and to serve as a signal relay for attack drones, this new model features a significant increase in endurance, resistance to electronic interference, and the ability to operate in challenging environments.
With a wingspan of 3.4 meters, the same as the SHARK-D, the SHARK-M has an extended communication range of up to 180 km, more than twice that of previous models. It offers a flight endurance of seven hours, enabled by batteries with a 170% increased capacity, allowing for extended operations day and night, regardless of weather conditions. Designed to reach a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters and a top speed of 130 km/h, the SHARK-M meets modern operational requirements.
The SHARK-M is equipped with a 360-degree rotating camera system and high-precision sensors capable of detecting targets up to 35 km during the day and 14 km at night. A universal connector enables the integration of various gyro-stabilized electro-optical payloads, increasing operational flexibility. The addition of a new radio modem, 250% more powerful than the previous version, enhances resistance to electronic warfare, ensuring stable communications even in the presence of GNSS jamming or signal interception attempts.
The SHARK-M is designed to enhance coordination between reconnaissance and strike operations. Beyond intelligence gathering, it serves as a signal relay for attack drones, facilitating data transmission and improving strike accuracy. Its compact design, combined with a catapult launch system, enables deployment without requiring extensive infrastructure. A parachute landing system minimizes the risk of damage upon recovery.
Capable of reaching an altitude of 3,000 meters and a speed of up to 130 km/h, the SHARK-M offers endurance, resilience, and operational efficiency. Its gyro-stabilized sensors ensure precise target detection, while the 360-degree interface provides complete battlefield coverage. Acting as a signal relay, it enables continuous communication between operational units and attack drones, improving mission coordination and reducing response times.
The SHARK-M has been optimized for ease of use, allowing instant mission report generation. The transition from the SHARK-D to the SHARK-M is seamless, as it remains fully compatible with existing infrastructure and software, eliminating the need for additional crew training. Additionally, an extension kit has been developed to position the antenna away from the crew, enhancing operator safety.
Another key feature of the SHARK-M is its ability to operate continuously through its "carousel" mode, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance of strategic areas by alternating between multiple aircraft. A newly modernized control station, which can be installed on a 4x4 vehicle, enables centralized management of all Ukrspecsystems drones from a single platform. This control station includes a remote terminal, allowing safe takeoff and landing even in high-risk environments.
Already in service, the SHARK-M demonstrated its initial field performance in 2024. Its cost-effectiveness is a key factor in its deployment, with a production cost increase of approximately 20%, offset by the reuse of ground infrastructure and the system’s durability. Ukrspecsystems emphasizes a pragmatic approach, ensuring that drone production remains aligned with operational needs while maintaining a steady supply of available units.