russians have published photos of the new Ukrainian fixed-wing loitering munition, the RAM-2X, which crashed in the occupied part of Donetsk Oblast. It is an advanced version of the RAM II loitering munition. The crash was likely caused either by a technical malfunction or a loss of communication due to enemy electronic warfare systems.
Inside the RAM-2X, the published photos show a marking labeled "controlled charge," indicating that the detonation occurs at a specific distance from the target either automatically or by operator command. Another notable detail on the warhead is the marking "01-24," which signifies its production date—either January 2024 or the first quarter of 2024.
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Additionally, the marking "ЗК 2,7 УЯ" can be seen, which can likely be deciphered as follows: "ЗК" stands for "controlled charge," "2,7" indicates its weight, meaning 2.7 kg. As for "УЯ," the most probable explanation is that it refers to its effect type—an explosively formed penetrator (EFP).
An explosively formed penetrator operates on a similar principle to a shaped charge. However, while a shaped charge relies on a high-velocity jet, an EFP is a solid projectile formed by the detonation of a "shaped" liner, which accelerates to speeds of up to 5 km/s. An EFP allows for effective engagement of targets at a considerable distance, meaning that welded grids and armor screens on vehicles provide little protection against it. The presence of such a warhead on this drone indicates that its production has been established in Ukraine.
A photograph also captured the moment when the RAM-2X was being disarmed by a ground robotic platform equipped with a manipulator and an X-ray scanner for inspecting the drone’s body. Typically, fallen kamikaze drones are simply destroyed since disarming them is usually pointless. However, this time, the russians even brought in a specialized robot for disarming it, likely to study it in detail afterward.
The RAM-2X features X-shaped aerodynamic surfaces, which, compared to conventional configurations, increase its maneuverability and allow it to remain airborne at significantly lower speeds. Its exact specifications have not been disclosed, but some sources mention a range of 120 km and a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
Interestingly, during the first demonstration of the RAM-2X, which took place in December 2024 at an exhibition of Ukrainian-made drones for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the RAM-2X was presented in tandem with the reconnaissance UAV Shark from Ukrspecsystems (part of NAUDI) under the slogan The Killer Duo.
Therefore, it is likely that, in addition to its roles in detection, surveillance, tracking, and result verification, the Shark UAV also serves another function—that of a signal relay. This enhances communication quality, extends the radio horizon, and, as a result, increases the strike range of the RAM-2X.
It is worth noting that the warhead of the fallen RAM-2X was manufactured before the drone was first publicly demonstrated. This could indicate that either the same warhead is used in other UAVs, leading to stockpiling, or that the serial production and deployment of the RAM-2X began long before its first public appearance.
Overall, the emergence of these photographs may indicate an increase in RAM-2X production and further confirms the existence of domestic warhead manufacturing for drones of this class in Ukraine.
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