Ukraine has introduced the Seth tactical strike drone, a domestically developed UAS modeled after the Shahed drones Russia deploys on the battlefield.
Built with a tailless delta-wing design, the Seth mirrors the Shahed-136 (Russian Geran-2), a staple of Moscow’s drone strikes.
The “Azov” 12th Special Operations Brigade is already using the first batch, donated by the Come Back Alive Foundation, to target enemy positions on the Toretsk front.
The Azov fighters describe the drone as “fully automated and easy to operate,” enhancing efficiency against enemy troops and equipment.
While official specs remain undisclosed, reports suggest a 50-kilometer (31 miles) range and a payload of 3 to 5 kilograms (6 to 11 pounds). Unlike its gas-powered Iranian counterpart, the Seth runs on an electric motor and is reportedly catapult-launched.
Shahed Drones
The Shahed-136, manufactured by HESA (Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries), boasts a 2.5-meter (8.2 feet) wingspan and a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers (621 to 1,242 miles).
It carries a 20 to 40 kilogram (44 to 88 pounds) high-explosive payload but suffers from low accuracy, with a hit rate below 10 percent, according to the Center for Strategic & International Studies.
Despite its poor precision, at a cost of just $35,000 per unit, Russia floods the battlefield with these drones to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses.
Meanwhile, Kyiv has ramped up its own drone production. Beyond the Seth UAS, Ukraine has developed drones like the AQ-400 Scythe, with a 42-kilogram (92 pounds) warhead, and the AN-196 Liutyi UAS from Ukroboronprom.
These advancements form a key part of Ukraine’s strategy to dominate the skies and take the fight to Russia, with a newly launched initiative to establish a drone frontline as of February.
