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Why Ukrainian Armor Turned a 60mm Mine into the UB60D FPV Drone and How It Improves Combat Readiness

UB60D UAV system developed by Ukrainian Armor
UB60D UAV system developed by Ukrainian Armor

Ukrainian Armor has engineered an FPV drone based on a standard 60 mm mortar shell, significantly enhancing its combat readiness

The new unmanned aerial system, designated UB60D, has successfully completed the codification process and has been approved for operational use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Its primary advantage is the inclusion of a built-in warhead, which allows for high mobility and rapid deployment without the need for time-consuming preparation.

As the basis of the FPV drone, Ukrainian Armor uses a 60-mm mine body. Its design integrates the warhead and control system into a single unit, effectively eliminating the need for separate arming or assembly procedures.

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UB60D UAV system developed by Ukrainian Armor
UB60D UAV system developed by Ukrainian Armor

This munition weighs 1,150 grams (or 1,380 grams as a complete round) and has a firing range of up to 2.5 kilometers when launched from a mortar. Given its name, it can be assumed that the UB60D is the drone-mounted version of the UB 60 round.

UB60D UAV system developed by Ukrainian Armor
UB60D UAV system developed by Ukrainian Armor

In effect, the result is a drone that functions as a flying mortar shell, capable of striking enemy personnel and equipment with minimal deployment time. This concept represents a logical evolution of the 60mm mortar, especially given that traditional mortar use has become more difficult due to the widespread presence of drones on the battlefield.

Ukrainian Armor reports that prior to full-scale serial production, the first UB60D units underwent combat testing in January 2025 in the Pokrovsk sector, near the village of Udachne. The drones are currently being used in the Zaporizhzhia direction.

UB60D UAV system developed by Ukrainian Armor
UB60D UAV system developed by Ukrainian Armor

Each UB60D system includes 250 strike drones and a ground control station. The company highlights that, in addition to mobility, the system requires minimal operator training, which is a critical advantage in active combat conditions.

Recently, Ukrainian Armor also received operational approval for two more unmanned systems. One is the NRK PROTECTOR heavy unmanned ground logistics platform. The other is a new armored vehicle named Varta-2.

UB60D UAV system developed by Ukrainian Armor
UB60D UAV system developed by Ukrainian Armor
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