Unveiled at the LandEuro 2025 defense expo in Wiesbaden, Germany, the Vampire drone represents a key advancement in Ukraine’s battlefield drone technology, designed for night strikes and frontline support. Showcased by Ukrainian Defense Innovations, the Vampire is engineered to perform dual roles—precision attacks and supply missions—under the cloak of darkness. Its stealth and accuracy have made it a cornerstone of Ukraine’s evolving drone warfare doctrine.
Developed by SkyFall, this heavy-duty hexacopter was built to meet the fast-paced demands of mobile Ukrainian units on the front lines. With a payload capacity of up to 15 kg, a flight duration of 23 minutes, and an effective range of 20 kilometers, the Vampire operates at altitudes up to 400 meters. It’s outfitted with dual-spectrum thermal cameras, secure GNSS guidance, and robust communication systems designed to resist Russian electronic warfare. Its modular weapon mount supports thermobaric, cumulative, or fragmentation munitions, and can even air-drop anti-tank mines like the TM-62.
Ukrainian forces have leveraged the Vampire in various operational scenarios, primarily for nighttime strikes targeting Russian infantry, vehicles, and logistics nodes. Its silent flight and precision capabilities make it highly effective in executing surprise assaults. Brigades such as the 25th Airborne and 100th Mechanized have launched multiple sorties in a single night, disrupting enemy advances and forcing tactical shifts. In addition, the Vampire has become a lifeline for frontline troops, delivering ammunition, medical kits, and food during high-risk engagements where traditional resupply isn’t feasible.
By integrating with ground robotics and FPV drones, the Vampire boosts operational flexibility and survivability for Ukrainian units. It can launch near the front, complete its mission autonomously or remotely, and return safely—even under electronic jamming—thanks to its hardened systems. With just three hours of training, operators become proficient, making it one of the most widely deployed multi-role drones in Ukraine’s tactical toolkit.
Russian troops have reportedly dubbed it “Baba Yaga” due to its ghostly, relentless presence at night. Beyond frontline operations, the Vampire has been used in cross-border missions into Russian-controlled regions like Kursk, targeting depots and troop gatherings. These operations help disrupt enemy logistics and extend Ukraine’s reach into supposedly secure areas.
The Vampire stands as a symbol of Ukraine’s adaptive innovation during wartime—transforming combat-proven solutions into scalable systems. As the conflict endures, this versatile drone is poised to remain a vital asset in both offensive operations and sustaining Ukrainian resilience under pressure.
