Russia has commenced serial production of standardized munitions specifically designed for first-person view (FPV) drones, reflecting a significant evolution in the nation’s approach to drone warfare. This transition highlights a move from makeshift explosive devices to sophisticated, industrial-grade armaments.
According to reports from Defence Blog, Russian defense manufacturers have introduced a new warhead named “Kaplya,” or “Drop,” which has been meticulously engineered to function with FPV drones. Unlike previously field-assembled charges, the Kaplya warhead uses an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) mechanism. This innovative technology generates a high-speed metal slug capable of effectively penetrating armored vehicles, particularly targeting the upper sections that are typically less fortified.
This advancement means that the EFP warhead can penetrate armor from above without needing to make direct contact, thus enhancing its effectiveness against counter-drone measures such as slat armor and mesh screens. Ukrainian defense analyst Andrii Tarasenko emphasized that a factory-produced EFP warhead, measuring about 150 mm in diameter, could breach over 100 mm of rolled homogeneous armor, making it a serious threat to most conventional armored vehicles.
Moreover, Russia is not limiting its production to just the Kaplya warhead; it is also manufacturing various other standardized payloads for FPV drones. This includes fragmentation munitions weighing around 1.7 kilograms and thermobaric warheads reaching weights of up to 4 kilograms. The shift towards these standardized munitions is anticipated to streamline operator training, lessen logistical challenges, and simplify the repair and reloading processes in active combat zones.
Analysts believe that this development signals Russia’s intention to adopt a sustainable military strategy focused on the extensive utilization of unmanned systems. The industrial-scale production of reliable munitions could provide Russian forces with consistent access to pre-assembled weaponry, posing additional challenges to Ukrainian defenses against drone assaults.
Earlier footage released on February 8 showcased a Russian Shahed drone outfitted with a backward-mounted R-60 missile, presumably targeting Ukrainian helicopters. This configuration, which includes a Soviet-era launcher and dual cameras equipped with Russian and Chinese electronics, indicates an innovative approach, creating a dual-role strike platform that further illustrates the evolving nature of warfare in the region.