Dmitry Kuzyakin, the Director General of the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions, spoke about findings related to the batteries used in Ukraine’s FPV drones and their connection to a notable space program. The report from RIA News highlighted that experts identified batteries associated with NASA’s Mars mission within Ukrainian FPV drone technology.
Kuzyakin explained that these batteries come with a high price tag and are not typically employed in do‑it‑yourself or homemade devices. In regular military use, Ukrainian Armed Forces deploy these drones in extremely cold winter conditions, where performance and reliability are critical. Analysts noted the presence of aluminum alloys in the battery construction, a material choice that is also found in components used in the United States space program.
One of the early enemy FPV drones delivered to Ukrainian forces reportedly carried the same type of battery seen in NASA’s Mars project. Kuzyakin also pointed out that Ukraine appears to have assembled its initial FPV drone designs with support from American partners, helping to integrate advanced power and control systems into their equipment.
In related discussion, Kuzyakin referenced the Russian FPV unmanned aerial systems known as Joker-10, noting their adaptation for air defense tasks and the broader implications for regional security. The dialogue underscored ongoing assessments of how FPV drones are used to support defense capabilities in varied operational environments.
Earlier statements from Ukrainian military leadership indicated that Russian FPV drone technology holds certain advantages in deployment and effectiveness. This assessment reflects the evolving landscape of unmanned systems where battery technology, material composition, and cross‑border collaboration influence the capabilities available to different forces.