Flamingo, Sea Baby, Protector: Ukraine unveils killer drone arsenal, pioneering remote warfare
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered a preview of the country’s long-range missile capabilities, describing them as a “real force already at work.”He began by highlighting long-range strike drones.“Flamingo and Ruta, Peklo and Neptune, Palianytsia and Vilkha — we can already take pride in all of these, but we certainly won’t stop here. Everyone can see the historic range of our drones, reaching 1,750 kilometers from our border. There’s more to come. And our Sichen, Liutyi, Morok, Bars, Obriy, and FP systems are further proof of that,” Zelensky wrote on X.The Ukrainian leader then turned to Kyiv’s ground robots, saying they have saved lives “more than 22,000 times.” He pointed to systems such as Ratel, TerMIT, Ardal, Rys, Zmiy, Protector, and Volia, among others.“They have already completed over 22,000 missions on the front line in just three months. In other words, more than 22,000 lives were spared when a robot entered the most dangerous areas instead of a soldier. This is high technology safeguarding our highest value — human life,” Zelensky added.Finally, Zelensky turned to Ukraine’s naval drones, calling discussions about the Strait of Hormuz — which Iran has virtually blockaded following US-Israeli strikes — largely “theoretical,” while pointing to Ukraine’s own real-world experience.
He emphasised that Kyiv’s operations in the Black Sea against Russia were “unprecedented.”“Our naval drones, Sea Baby, Magura, and Sargan, are well-known, and this is Ukraine’s export offering too. As is our artillery, which we produce at the largest scale in Europe. As are our shells, which are now growing in numbers. As is our armor, which becomes more effective every year,” Zelensky posted.He made the remarks at a congratulatory address to workers of Ukraine’s defence-industrial complex.Meanwhile, Zelensky told German broadcaster ZDF that, as a result of the Iran war, the United States “have no time for Ukraine,” warning that the issue of US arms deliveries has become “a big problem.”“If the war goes on, there will be less arms for Ukraine. It’s critical, especially in materials for air defences,” he said.
