Ukraine’s New Weapons: Grenade Launcher Module, Heavy Bomber Drone Cleared for Combat
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has officially approved the use of the Shablya Mk19(M) – a new remote-controlled combat module designed for Ukraine’s Armed Forces (AFU) – following closely behind recent approval of the Ukrainian-made Volynyaka unmanned aviation system – a dual-use precision bomber and logistical delivery drone.
Shablya Mk19(M) Auto-grenade launcher
According to the ministry’s announcement, the Shablya Mk19(M) is now codified and cleared for active employment in Ukraine’s military. The system is built to automatically fire 40 mm grenades and its launchers can be integrated into both ground-based robotic platforms and vehicles.
The module allows for both direct and indirect fire, including engaging targets from concealed positions using precise coordinates.
“The module can be operated by a single operator,” the ministry said in its statement.
Volynyaka Precision Bomber Drone System
Additionally, the Defense Ministry recently announced the deployment of the Ukrainian-made Volynyaka unmanned aviation system – a domestic bomber hexacopter capable of carrying out precision strikes on a wide range of enemy targets.
The first versions of the Volynyaka have been in service since the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian forces have already used them to destroy hundreds of enemy vehicles, dugouts, and troop concentrations.
The drone can perform combat missions in all weather conditions, including at night and in unspecified strong winds.
The Volynyaka is also designed for logistics: it can deliver supplies to frontline positions and drop powerful ammunition capable of destroying heavily armored targets.
In mid-May, the AFU showcased the first recorded combat use of a drone equipped with a grenade launcher, according to Wild Hornets (Dyki Shershni), a Ukrainian military-tech company specializing in combat drones.
The company released a video reportedly showing the drone killing a Russian soldier. According to the post, Ukrainian drone pilots mounted a grenade launcher on their “Queen of Hornets” drone and successfully used it against Russian infantry troops.
Separately, in early February, Ukrainian defense firm Frontline announced that its “Burya” (“Storm” in Ukrainian) remote-controlled grenade launcher turret had entered serial production.
According to Frontline’s brochure, the Burya turret can be fitted with either the Ukrainian UAH-40 or the US Mk19 40mm grenade launchers.
The system can simultaneously track up to 16 targets, switching between them in as little as three seconds.
Promotional footage shows the turret delivering automatic suppressive fire with 40mm grenades. It can carry up to 64 grenades in a belt-fed system, though reloading appears to be manual.
In a LinkedIn post, the company said the turret can hit targets up to two kilometers (1.2 miles) away with a reported margin of error of just two meters (6.6 feet). Frontline said that the system allows for rapid target switching and safe, remote operation from cover.
Source: Julia Struck