Rheinmetall unveils drone that may have already been secretly used in combat in Ukraine
Illustrative photo: Rheinmetall showcases a test video of its new strike drone FV-014 (Getty Images)
The German conglomerate Rheinmetall has officially released a video of tests for its new strike drone, the FV-014. The drone is capable of hitting targets at distances of up to 100 km, according to Defense Express.
Capabilities and specifications of the FV-014
The new kamikaze drone, weighing around 20 kg, is equipped with a combined shaped-charge and fragmentation warhead capable of penetrating up to 600 mm of armor.
Key technical specifications of the UAV include:
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Flight range – up to 100 km (with a communication range of 60 km)
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Endurance – 70 minutes in the air
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Design features – faceted body to reduce radar visibility and an electric motor.
The drone is launched from a transport-launch container using a rocket motor.
Developers claim that the FV-014 can operate as part of a "swarm," with a single operator controlling a group of drones, and can also carry out missions in the absence of a GPS signal.
Tests in Ukraine and NATO interest
During a demonstration for one of the NATO countries, the drone simulated various operational scenarios and an attack on a target.
Although the location of previous tests has not been officially disclosed, Rheinmetall representatives have previously stated that the UAV has already been combat-tested.
Since Ukraine is the only place where such equipment is actively used against modern electronic warfare systems, experts suggest that the FV-014 was secretly tested on the Ukrainian front.
Rheinmetall’s support for Ukraine
The German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall is one of Ukraine’s key partners in the field of armaments. Earlier, it was reported that the company received a site for constructing a weapons factory directly in Ukraine, where it plans to produce ammunition and armored vehicles.
The company has also set clear deadlines for delivering new batches of military aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including air defense systems and shells. In particular, Ukraine is expected to receive modern air defense systems from Rheinmetall to protect its skies from enemy drones and missiles.
Additionally, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has repeatedly commented on the security situation in Europe. He has assessed the chances of achieving peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for long-term support for Kyiv to deter aggression.
