Ukrainian Kamikaze Drone “Mace” Showcased at Eurosatory 2024

Mace Drone Boasts Advanced Technologies for Precise and Effective Strikes

The Ukrainian kamikaze drone, known by its export name “Mace” and often compared to the “Lancet” drone, was showcased at Eurosatory 2024, one of the largest international defense exhibitions. Presented by UAC at the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industry Enterprises (NAUDI) booth, the drone’s original Ukrainian name is actually “Bulava,” as evidenced by the inscription on its wings.

According to the reported specifications, Mace has a total takeoff weight of 11 kg (24.3 lbs), with the warhead accounting for 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs). The drone’s warhead is a combination of shaped charge, armor-piercing, and thermobaric elements. Powered by an electric motor, Mace can stay airborne for over 50 minutes at a cruising speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). Its wingspan is approximately 1.6 meters (5.2 ft), with an overall length of about 1.5 meters (4.9 ft).

Advanced Features and Capabilities

Mace boasts an impressive array of features, including day and night operation, machine vision with automatic target detection and tracking, and high resistance to electronic warfare. The drone can detect spoofing, has an encrypted data transmission channel, and utilizes MESH technology (retransmission) to achieve a strike range of over 60 km (37 miles). It can also be integrated with reconnaissance drones.

The drone is launched using a catapult and can strike both operator-selected targets and coordinates. These advanced technologies make Mace a highly effective solution, with the integration of a night camera and machine vision algorithms further enhancing its capabilities.

DroneXL’s Take

The unveiling of the Mace drone at Eurosatory 2024 showcases Ukraine’s growing prowess in the development of advanced military drones. With its combination of long-range, precision strike capabilities, and cutting-edge technologies like machine vision and electronic warfare resistance, Mace represents a significant step forward in the evolution of kamikaze drones.

As the global defense industry continues to focus on unmanned systems, Ukraine’s ability to develop and field advanced drones like Mace and Magura V5 demonstrates the country’s potential to become a major player in this rapidly growing market. The success of these drones in real-world combat situations, such as the ongoing conflict with Russia, further underscores their effectiveness and the importance of continued investment in Drone Technology.

Photos courtesy of Defense Express.