Lithuanian drone manufacturer RSI Europe has delivered the first tranche of its first-person view (FPV) quadcopter unmanned aerial systems for Ukraine under a military procurement project signed in August.
Called “Shpak,” the 10-inch (25-centimeter) drone is designed to carry about 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of explosives and detonate the articles via a remote impact initiation device.
It applies electronic warfare technology to deter attacks from anti-drone threats and uses a ground control station and antenna for sustained operations at longer ranges.
The contract for the Shpak delivery costs $4 million, according to Defence Industry.
“From the moment we started working with FPV drones, we had two goals: to help Ukraine and to contribute to the Lithuanian drone industry,” RSI Europe CEO Tomas Milašauskas explained.
“The word špokas (starling) has been used since the time of the Republic of the Two Nations, a country that Ukraine was a part of – a country that fought for many years against the aggressor from the east.”
“We, Lithuanians, as well as Poles and Ukrainians call starling birds ‘špokas’, but Russians do not. We think that such a name is a perfect fit for a Lithuanian drone fighting in the hands of Ukrainians.”
5,000 Drones Planned for Ukraine
Lithuania confirmed in September that it will procure approximately 5,000 locally-produced FPV drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and acquire about 2,300 for its own military.
The framework stipulated systems “with quadcopter frames for vertical take-off and landing,” parts of which will be sourced from five local Lithuanian industry partners.
Vilnius’ investment in the drone program for Ukraine will cost 5 million euros ($5.4 million). Meanwhile, another 3 million euros ($3.2 million) will be allocated for the separate acquisition supporting Lithuanian warfighters.