Ukraine has now developed a drone capable of firing anti-tank missiles, further advancing its innovative warfare techniques.The country has outfitted a quadcopter drone with a Soviet-era RPG-18 Mukha anti-tank missile launcher.
Undergoing Testing
In a video circulated on social media, Ukraine was seen conducting a flight test of this anti-tank unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
It is possible that after conducting these trials, the drone will be passed on to Ukraine’s frontline fighters to target Russian positions with literal fire. The drone performed well in the test; however, Ukraine may encounter challenges with long-range operations using this drone.
Carrying a 2.6 kg RPG-18 Mukha rocket launcher may be challenging in longer-range operations. Considering Ukraine’s previous success with new types of drones, the new drone could be deployed soon. Ukraine may employ drones for short-range operations and launch anti-tank missiles at Russian targets from higher elevations.
This drone will provide Ukraine with a much more affordable solution to hit Russian tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and howitzers. Upon reviewing the footage, the drone is fitted with a state-of-the-art guidance system and a high-resolution nano camera.
Both capabilities will allow Ukraine to hit Russian targets with high precision.
RPG-18 Mukha
The RPG-18 Mukha (Russian: Муха, romanized: Fly) is a Soviet short-range, disposable light anti-tank rocket launcher. The RPG-18 is very similar to the US M72-series LAW anti-tank rocket launcher.
The RPG-18 was succeeded by the RPG-22, which has a very similar design with a larger warhead. The RPG-18 fires a 64 mm PG-18 HEAT warhead mounted on a small rocket capable of engaging targets within 200 meters.
The warhead self-destructs 6 seconds after launch, limiting the range even if the sight is effectively used with targets beyond 200 meters. The RPG-18 itself can penetrate up to 375 mm of conventional armor.
However, performance is significantly diminished when the RPG-18 is employed against targets protected by High-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) resistant explosive reactive armor (ERA) or composite armor.
Unlike better-known weapons, the RPG-18 requires only one operator because it is not reloadable. Assistant grenadiers help reload the RPG-2, RPG-7, and RPG-16 systems. The RPG‐18 launcher comprises an extruded plastic‐fibre outer tube and a telescopically joined aluminum inner tube. The launcher is a disposable single‐shot weapon; hence, no loading/reloading of ammunition is required. The firing mechanism is mechanical and unlike the US M72 series.
Ukraine has developed several innovative drones. Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled a new domestically developed long-range drone missile in a state address.
Photo: Quadcopter drone with a Soviet-era RPG-18 Mukha anti-tank missile launcher
Source: Interesting Engineering