In a detailed interview with DEA News, Andrey Ivanov, who leads the design team at a prominent Russian manufacturing firm, disclosed that a fresh iteration of the Gadfly FPV kamikaze drone has entered small-scale production within the Russian Federation. This signals a continued push to advance domestic unmanned systems and to test new capabilities on a controlled, limited scale before broader deployment.
Ivanov stated that Gadfly version 2.0 has been developed and initiated for small-batch production. He noted that the UAV integrates upgraded electronics and a redesigned propeller assembly, along with several technical features that remain confidential. These enhancements appear aimed at improving stability, maneuverability, and ease of use in field conditions, while preserving the drone’s core FPV operating concept.
The device operates on a First Person View (FPV) principle, meaning the operator receives live visual feedback from the on-board camera through a display, video helmet, or goggles. The reported cost for the second version of Gadfly is approximately 65,000 rubles, compared with around 40,000 rubles for the initial version, reflecting the added components and performance improvements in the newer model.
Ivanov added that Gadfly was prepared with careful design considerations to ensure it could be deployed straight from the box, minimizing the need for extensive setup or configuration by end users. This approach underscores a push toward user-friendly operation while maintaining the system’s tactical capabilities as a compact, ready-to-use platform.
Earlier reports indicate that the RF Armed Forces have already employed an updated variant of this platform near Avdeevka, marking a notable step in the fielding of a compact, high-precision kamikaze drone in real-world operations. Analysts emphasize that such deployments reflect ongoing development of domestically produced UAVs tailored for rapid, localized strike missions within specific operational theaters. [Source: DEA News attribution]