The ongoing conflict, triggered by Russian aggression, has highlighted the critical role of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in performing reconnaissance, adjusting artillery fire, and gathering intelligence on the battlefield. Drones, especially those capable of reaching hard-to-access enemy locations and withstanding adversarial actions, have become indispensable assets in modern warfare.
Delair, a French enterprise, has finalized a contract to supply the Ukrainian military with two types of reconnaissance drones:
- DT26: With a wingspan of 3.3 meters and weighing 16 kilograms, this drone is designed for extensive reconnaissance missions.
- UX11: Smaller in size, with a 1.1-meter wingspan and weighing only 1.5 kilograms, ideal for more agile and discreet operations.
These UAVs, initially developed for civilian applications, have found significant utility on the Ukrainian battlefield, prompting Delair to triple the production rate of the DT26 model within a year. The company highlights the drones' adaptability for use in border control, intelligence gathering, and operations by special forces, emphasizing their reliability, ease of repair, and high-quality sensors.
Delair's commitment to producing hundreds of UX11 drones annually aligns with Ukraine's urgent need for sophisticated surveillance technology. However, the exact delivery timeline for these drones to Ukraine remains unspecified.
Previously, in February, it was reported that the French government had placed an order for 100 attack drones from Delair for Ukraine, expected to be delivered in the summer of 2024. This move underscores the growing international support for Ukraine's defense efforts.
Delair stands as a prominent player in the global UAV market, specializing in fixed-wing drones since 2011. The company is part of a broader initiative to develop cost-effective, remote-controlled attack drones for the French military, emphasizing ease of use and the capability to engage light targets up to 5 kilometers away.
