Ukraine Deploys Shark Drone to Target and Destroys Russian T-90 Tank on Pokrovsk Front.

On the Pokrovsk front, Ukrainian defense forces recently carried out decisive strikes against Russian equipment, including a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, a T-90 main battle tank, and a howitzer, thanks to the unmanned Shark drone. This event was made public in a video. The Shark drone, supplied through efforts by the "Come Back Alive" Foundation, was operated by personnel from the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.

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Ukraine recently carried out strikes against Russian equipment, including a BM-21, a T-90, and a howitzer. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

The operation began when the Shark drone detected a BM-21 Grad rocket launcher. Russian forces attempted to hide the launcher within a wooded area, but the drone tracked its movement, allowing Ukrainian forces to strike and effectively destroy the target. Subsequently, the Shark drone located a howitzer positioned among occupying forces, facilitating another successful strike on this artillery unit.

However, the main accomplishment of this Ukrainian drone was locating a Russian T-90 tank in another forested area. The Shark drone provided targeting information, enabling a strike that neutralized this additional threat.

Video footage provided by the "Come Back Alive" Foundation shows precise strikes on the Russian BM-21 Grad and T-90 tank, captured by the Shark drone’s onboard camera in October 2024.

The Shark drones are part of a broader reconnaissance initiative, the "Eye for an Eye" project, led by the "Come Back Alive" Foundation. Launched in 2023, this project funded 25 Shark drone systems for Ukrainian forces, each set including three drones for primary use and operational replacements. These drones were manufactured by the Ukrainian company Ukrspecsystems, specifically designed to meet Ukraine's tactical reconnaissance and artillery targeting needs.

The Shark is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Ukrainian company Ukrspecsystems. (Picture source: Come Back Alive)

The Shark is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Ukrainian company Ukrspecsystems, designed to play a key role in battlefield surveillance and artillery targeting. Born from the experience gained with the PD-1 and PD-2 series in combat conditions, this drone incorporates battle-tested technologies to offer enhanced resistance to electronic warfare systems and operate under challenging weather conditions. The device can be launched from a catapult, with an operational range of up to 80 km and a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters. With a maximum speed of 130 km/h and a cruising speed of 75 km/h, the Shark is distinguished by its extended flight capability, enabling adjustment of large-caliber artillery fire, even in hostile environments.

One of the Shark's main assets is its reliable communication module, equipped with AES256 encryption, allowing the drone to penetrate up to 80 km behind enemy lines, even under intense electronic warfare conditions. This communication system is essential for long-range, precision missions while allowing secure real-time feedback to the command post. The Shark is also equipped with a Full HD electro-optical system, providing high-quality surveillance with a 30x optical zoom and an additional 3x digital zoom, capable of detecting targets up to 5 km away.

The Shark complex is designed for extensive operational autonomy and consists of three drones, a ground launcher, and additional equipment, allowing for continuous surveillance and coordinated operations. The drone lands using a parachute, an efficient method that simplifies deployment in the field and reduces logistical needs. Built with a wingspan of 3.4 meters and a weight of only 12.5 kg, the drone is suitable for operating in temperatures ranging from -15°C to +50°C, making it a versatile tool for Ukrainian armed forces.

Developed in direct response to Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022, the Shark became operational after less than six months of intensive flight tests. Today, it represents an investment of $325,000 for a set comprising three UAVs and a mobile command post, a configuration that maximizes its effectiveness on the front lines and ensures adaptability to Ukraine’s evolving tactical needs.

The T-90 is a main battle tank developed in Russia. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

The T-90 is a main battle tank developed in Russia, known for its firepower, enhanced protection, and high mobility on the battlefield. This tank is armed with a 125 mm 2A46M smoothbore gun, capable of firing a wide range of munitions to engage various targets, accompanied by a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun and a 12.7 mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun for aerial threat defense. The T-90 also includes eight 81 mm smoke grenade launchers, allowing it to conceal its movements and provide additional protection in combat situations.

To resist ballistic threats, the T-90 combines advanced composite armor with explosive reactive armor (ERA), offering reinforced defense against armor-piercing shells and anti-tank projectiles. Weighing 46,500 kg, this tank is designed to confront hostile environments while maintaining good maneuverability. It is currently in service in several countries, including Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, and Russia.

The T-90's mobility is optimized with a maximum road speed of 60 km/h, and its 550 km range allows for extended field operations. The tank is also equipped with a range of sophisticated accessories, including a fire control system, protection against NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) weapons, a fire detection and suppression system, as well as a front-mounted dozer blade for clearing obstacles and a deep fording kit for crossing water bodies.

The T-90 also features advanced optoelectronic countermeasure systems, such as the Shtora-1, which disrupts enemy laser guidance systems and protects the tank from guided anti-tank missiles. This system is enhanced by laser guidance and range-finding technologies, allowing the three-man crew to effectively identify, target, and engage battlefield threats. With its imposing dimensions – 6.86 m in hull length (9.53 m with the gun facing forward), 2.49 m in width, and 2.06 m in height – the T-90 is a robust and formidable war machine in modern engagements.

The success of the Shark drone highlights its crucial role on the front lines, providing real-time intelligence and enabling precise artillery support. This capability has proven invaluable to Ukrainian defense forces, demonstrating the significant impact of unmanned systems in modern warfare.