Ensuring communication in difficult terrain and under electronic warfare interference remains one of the key challenges on the battlefield. That is why TAF Industries, a Ukrainian FPV-drone manufacturer with an output of 80,000 UAVs per month and that has recently joined the NAUDI — National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries — has presented its solution to the problem.
Named the Kolibri13 FR1, this unmanned aerial vehicle serves as a relay carrier and is designed specifically for missions in complex terrain and under EW conditions. The company has already rolled out mass production of this technology, though specific manufacturing rates for this model are kept undisclosed.
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According to the company, their development is twice as cheap as a similar DJI Matrice-based solution. It is ready to use straight out of the box, and operator training takes only one day. Essentially, it's a platform for a relay system that ensures stable communications on the battlefield, where difficult terrain is combined with heavy signal interference. This is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and supporting the use of other unmanned platforms.
Kolibri 13 FR1 offers day and night operation capability enhanced with the StabX optical stabilization system — it anchors the drone above the designated point. It allows the platform to stay aloft for protracted time periods and eliminates reliance on GPS, which is vulnerable to jamming and spoofing. The UAV has an operating range of 15 km, an altitude ceiling of 1,000 m, and an endurance of 45 minutes.
These features combined give the Ukrainian forces a domestic system that can replace Chinese-sourced solutions, which are becoming increasingly difficult to use due to export restrictions and security concerns. Having locally-made alternatives significantly strengthens Ukraine's defense capability.
The Kolibri 13 FR1 package includes two UAVs, a ground control unit, a transport case, and additional video antennas. This is not the first Ukrainian-developed relay carrier, but the growing needs of the Defense Forces and constant battlefield changes demand new, upgraded systems.
TAF Industries is one of Ukraine's key defense technology players, with a production capacity of up to 80,000 drones per month, ensuring strong potential to meet large-scale orders.
Currently, the company's portfolio includes 30 combat-tested solutions, such as the EW-resistant Last Mile FPV drones, Babka reconnaissance/strike UAVs with a 75 km range, and Kvazar EW systems.
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