Fiber-optic FPV strike dronecombat-provenpartial data
KVN (Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky)
Prince Vandal of Novgorod, Knyaz Vandal, KVN
Russian FPV quadcopter that unspools a fiber-optic cable back to its operator, so it cannot be jammed, and flies an anti-tank grenade into vehicles and positions.
No public price No sourced unit price for KVN; generic fiber-optic FPV estimates are not specific to this product.
| Maker | Ushkuynik Scientific and Production Center |
|---|---|
| Origin | Russia |
| Built | Russia (Veliky Novgorod), with Chinese electronic components identified by Ukrainian intelligence |
| First combat | August 2024, Kursk region |
| Launch weight | 8 kg |
| Warhead | 2.2 kg |
| Cruise speed | 50 to 80 km/h |
| Top speed | 100 to 140 km/h |
| Max range | 20 km |
| Propulsion | Battery-powered electric motors (multirotor) |
| Guidance | Manual control by a pilot over a fiber-optic cable carrying video and commands |
Specifications are the declared characteristics listed by Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (GUR): 8 kg maximum takeoff weight, 2.2 kg PG-7 grenade warhead (2 to 4 kg payload), 50 to 80 km/h cruise and 100 to 140 km/h maximum, 8 to 12 minutes of flight and up to 20 km of cable. The developer told TASS (Russian state media) in September 2026 that a 42 km version is in serial use and that millions have been delivered; both are developer claims.
Sources (9)
- Ukraine Defence Intelligence (GUR) War and Sanctions: Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky, declared characteristics (updated 4 May 2026) (launch_weight_kg)
- Ukraine Defence Intelligence (GUR) War and Sanctions: Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky, declared characteristics (updated 4 May 2026) (warhead_kg)
- Ukraine Defence Intelligence (GUR) War and Sanctions: Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky, declared characteristics (updated 4 May 2026) (speed_kmh_cruise)
- Ukraine Defence Intelligence (GUR) War and Sanctions: Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky, declared characteristics (updated 4 May 2026) (speed_kmh_max)
- Ukraine Defence Intelligence (GUR) War and Sanctions: Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky, declared characteristics (updated 4 May 2026) (range_km)
- Ukraine Defence Intelligence (GUR) War and Sanctions: Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky, declared characteristics (updated 4 May 2026) (guidance)
- Ukraine Defence Intelligence (GUR) War and Sanctions: Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky, declared characteristics (updated 4 May 2026) (built_where)
- TASS: Millions of KVN fiber-optic drones delivered to Russia's special op zone, developer (9 Sep 2026) (first_combat)
- TASS: Millions of KVN fiber-optic drones delivered to Russia's special op zone, developer (9 Sep 2026) (notes)
