Ukraine has officially launched production of a new long-range kamikaze drone named “Batyar,” built by Ukrainian defense firm DeepStrikeTech.
Designed as a visual analog to Iran’s infamous Shahed-136 drone, the Batyar offers a blend of affordability, versatility, and domestic innovation aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s strike capabilities amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
With a reported range of up to 800 kilometers and the ability to carry an 18-kilogram warhead, the Batyar is significantly lighter than its Iranian counterpart. By comparison, the Shahed-136 can carry warheads of up to 90 kg, giving it greater destructive capacity but also a larger profile and higher cost per unit.
Tactical Flexibility and Deployment
Unlike traditional cruise missiles or larger UAVs, the Batyar is a multi-role drone. Ukrainian defense officials describe it as capable of functioning as:
A kamikaze UAV for one-way attack missions A decoy drone to trigger and reveal enemy air defenses A light bomber against soft or mobile targets
The drone is launched via ground-based or mobile catapult systems, making it suitable for frontline deployment or use from concealed locations. This flexibility in launch methods allows Ukrainian forces to conduct asymmetric strikes deep behind enemy lines.
Shahed Comparison: A Lookalike, Not a Twin
The Batyar isn’t Ukraine’s first attempt at replicating or countering the effectiveness of the Shahed-136. The UAS SETH, a smaller and visually similar drone already in service, is used primarily for frontline tactical strikes. Equipped with onboard optics, SETH provides reconnaissance and targeting capabilities but lacks the endurance or payload to match the Shahed.
While the Batyar resembles the Shahed-136 in form, defense sources clarify that both Batyar and SETH are indigenous designs with different operational philosophies. Their similarity is largely visual and psychological, potentially exploiting Russian radar signatures or mimicking threat profiles to mislead enemy defenses.
Strategic Context
Ukraine’s decision to expand drone development comes as Shahed-style drones have been a mainstay in Russian strikes, particularly during nighttime attacks on infrastructure. With the Batyar, Ukraine aims to mirror the psychological and tactical utility of such drones, while increasing pressure on Russian logistics and rear installations.
As the war evolves into a battle of attrition and technology, Batyar symbolizes Ukraine’s shift toward scalable, cost-effective aerial weapons systems, tailored for precision strikes and strategic misdirection.
