Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Industry Experimental Design Bureau (OKB) told TASS that it has developed the Vector-120 aircraft-type kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle, a compact system designed for quick, precise engagements. The revelation underscores a shift in near term aerial capabilities, where small autonomous platforms are being treated as force multipliers on the battlefield. The Vector-120 represents a class of single-use drones that can be produced rapidly and deployed with minimal logistical footprints, aligning with modern requirements for versatile, low-cost precision munitions.
“Currently, the design work and pilot production of individual units of the Vector-120 idle ammunition is underway,” stated the design bureau, outlining a program that moves from concept validation to practical manufacturing steps. The project emphasizes streamlined production lines and scalable manufacturing, aiming to deliver small, readily available munitions that can be fielded with relative ease by ground forces in various operational scenarios.
The press service added that flight testing was planned to begin in 2024, signaling a concrete milestone in moving from theoretical design to real-world performance. The system is described as being launched from a disposable launch tube carried as part of a soldier’s equipment, an approach that minimizes preparation time and supports rapid deployment in dynamic combat environments. In addition, the Vector-120 is capable of carrying a warhead weighing up to 250 grams, which translates into a compact yet effective payload suitable for precise, targeted strikes against designated targets without the need for larger platforms.
According to the developer, similar concepts exist in the United States in the form of the Switchblade, a widely recognized tactical loitering munition designed for quick deployment from various positions. The Vector-120 is distinguished by its claimed ability to be launched from virtually any position, broadening the tactical options for infantry units and maneuver forces. This capability could reduce reliance on larger aircraft or vehicle-based platforms, offering a flexible alternative for short-range, direct-fire missions in constrained or rapidly changing front lines.
Ural company Unmanned Vehicles announced in April the introduction of a sample of Russia’s first jet-powered FPV kamikaze drone of the K-5 aircraft type during a military exhibition at VDNKh. The unveiling highlights an accelerating trend toward jet-assisted propulsion in small, drone-based munitions, which can extend range and improve stability at higher speeds. This development complements ongoing experimentation with disposable launch concepts and compact warhead payloads, signaling a broader push to diversify unmanned strike options across multiple regional defense programs and international markets.