{
  "id": 16472683,
  "title": "Ukrainian soldiers surprised a major drone maker with how much explosive weight they packed onto one of its drones",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/ukrainian-soldiers-surprised-a-major-drone-maker-with-how-much",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T11:56:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-explosive-weight-soldiers-could-put-on-drone-surprised-maker-2026-10"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian drone manufacturer TechEx was astonished by the heavy payload Ukrainian forces loaded onto one of their drones. The drone's payload capacity is typically restricted by the weight of its battery, camera, and other equipment. However, Ukrainian soldiers frequently push these boundaries by loading more explosives than originally intended. A TechEx executive stated that soldiers managed to place around five to seven kilos of explosive weight on the drone, which managed to successfully complete the mission. The drone was carrying more explosives than the company ever thought possible, making the Ukrainian forces' actions particularly surprising. The struggle with weight is especially acute for fiber-optic drones, as they must also carry a cable spool, which adds significant weight. TechEx has developed technology to reduce spool weight, but this requires careful balancing to maintain reliability and durability. Ukrainian troops often surprise drone manufacturers by creatively adapting and modifying their equipment on the battlefield, providing valuable feedback that helps companies continuously update and improve their products.",
  "summary": "Drones' explosive power is limited by gear, like batteries, that they must carry. But soldiers push gear to the limit, surprising even its makers.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/16472683.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Euromaidan Press",
        "title": "Ukrainian drones reportedly strike major shopping mall in Russia’s Belgorod overnight",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-major-shopping-mall-in-russias",
        "published": "2026-10-25T11:52:11.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Voice of Ukraine",
        "title": "Drones hit plant tied to Russia’s biggest titanium producer in Perm Krai",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/drones-hit-plant-tied-to-russias-biggest-titanium-producer-in-perm",
        "published": "2026-10-25T12:10:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}