US Army Acquires Long-Range Ukrainian Surveillance Drones in $10.6m Deal

The US Army has secured a $10.64 million contract to procure Ukrainian-designed Raybird reconnaissance drones, highlighting Kyiv's increasing influence in the realm of drone warfare. Skyeton Inc., the US arm of the Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton, secured the deal with the Pentagon, which will be fulfilled by Skyeton through its Alabama-based Redstone Arsenal facility.

The contract stipulates the delivery of the drones and necessary support equipment by December 15, 2026, though the exact quantity remains undisclosed. The Raybird, also known as the ACS-3, is a medium-sized reconnaissance drone that has been in service with the Ukrainian military since 2018. It boasts an impressive operational record, with over 350,000 combat flight hours logged to date.

Powered by a catapult launch system and parachute recovery, the Raybird can remain in the air for up to 24 hours, cover distances of up to 2,500 kilometers, and transmit live data from locations exceeding 200 kilometers away. Capable of carrying up to 6 kilograms of equipment, the drone can be equipped with surveillance cameras, radar, and sensors capable of detecting enemy radio signals.

Ukraine has leveraged the Raybird's capabilities to gather intelligence deep within Russian-occupied territory, including the identification of air-defense systems and long-range weapons. This data has been instrumental in aiding artillery units and drone operators in their operations. Skyeton asserts that the Raybird's sophisticated communications systems enable it to function effectively even amidst intense electronic interference.

Ukraine has established itself as a significant player in the drone industry, boasting around 450 drone producers and a defense sector comprised of more than 1,000 companies.