A Ukrainian drone manufacturer has released what is believed to be the first-ever footage of a grenade launcher fired in combat from a first-person-view (FPV) drone.
On Tuesday, the company Wild Hornets shared two video clips on its Telegram channel, showcasing this milestone. The footage was credited to the “Bulava” drone unit of the 3rd Mechanized Battalion in Ukraine’s Bohdan Khmelnytsky Separate Presidential Brigade.
“Queen of Hornets” Drone Fires Grenade Launcher
The drone featured in the clips is Wild Hornets’ own design, called the “Queen of Hornets”. This large FPV quadcopter, with a frame measuring 15 to 17 inches, is one of the biggest combat FPV drones produced in Ukraine. It is typically used as a bomber in the ongoing war.
While Wild Hornets did not disclose when the footage was recorded or which grenade launcher was used, they previously tested the Bulspike AP grenade launcher with the “Queen of Hornets” drone in September. The Bulspike AP is a Bulgarian anti-personnel grenade launcher capable of firing a 2-kilogram fragmentation grenade with an effective range of about 100 meters (328 feet).
Expanding FPV Drone Combat Roles
The introduction of a grenade launcher-firing FPV drone could offer Ukrainian forces new tactical options. Until now, FPV combat drones have mostly been used for kamikaze attacks, flying directly into targets, or for dropping explosives from above.
The latest footage shows the drone-mounted launcher firing at enemy targets from a distance, demonstrating its ability to strike without needing direct contact or overhead positioning.
Uncertain Future for Drone-Launched Grenades
It remains unclear whether Ukraine can mass-produce and deploy these drone-mounted grenade launchers at scale. Over the course of the war, many Ukrainian companies have experimented with various drone-mounted weapons, including shotguns and Kalashnikov rifles. However, loitering munitions and bombers remain the primary tools in Ukraine’s drone warfare arsenal.
Wild Hornets is known for creating some of the war’s most innovative drone weapons. Their past designs include FPV drones that spew thermite and interceptors capable of flying over 100 mph.
While the grenade-launching drone is a significant step forward, its widespread use will depend on production capacity, cost, and battlefield effectiveness.
