Uzbekistan has developed a "kamikaze" drone. It can fly up to 1500 km

Uzbekistan has created a "kamikaze" drone. It can fly up to 1500 km

The continent's most prestigious defense technology exhibition — Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 — is taking place in the Republic of South Africa. A special pavilion has been allocated for Uzbekistan at the event. Notably, a new strike device developed by the country's military-industrial complex was demonstrated at this international exhibition. It is capable of flying a distance of more than a thousand kilometers.

According to information disclosed at the exhibition, the device can reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h and remain in the air for 6 hours. It is designed based on the flying wing scheme and takes off using an internal combustion engine. A representative of the EAS company told "Daryo" that the drone is called FN-X and can fly up to 1500 km.

One of the main features of the FN-X is that it flies with a payload weighing up to 30 kilograms. A HE-FRAG, i.e., a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, is used as the main strike element. Such warheads are distinguished not only by their explosive power but also by scattering metal fragments around.

"Flying wing" design

As mentioned above, the "flying wing" scheme was utilized in the development of the FN-X drone. In other words, in such a structure, the fuselage and wings are merged, and there is no separate tail section.

The platform's body is made of carbon composite material. This is because this raw material is not only lightweight but also strong, helping to reduce the weight of the device. In addition, drones made of such material do not deform under the influence of temperature and humidity changes and do not rust.

Another advantage of carbon is that it partially absorbs radio waves, reducing the probability of the drone being detected by radars. Most importantly, the technical documentation notes that this raw material is prepared in Uzbekistan. This allows for reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

What controls the drone?

It has been revealed that the FN-X drone uses GNSS/INS navigation systems to determine its direction. Simply put, both satellites and devices installed on the drone, such as a gyroscope and accelerometer, are used for this purpose. For reference, the INS system is a set of devices that measure the direction of movement, speed, and the distance flown from the starting point.

At the same time, it is indicated that the platform also has an AI-assisted autopilot, i.e., an autopilot based on artificial intelligence. This allows it to continue its flight and detect targets even in conditions where electronic warfare systems are actively operating.

The FN-X drone mainly flies at an operational altitude of 1200 m. The maximum flight altitude is 3000 meters.

South Africa is a debut for Uzbekistan

AAD 2026 is the most prestigious international exhibition on the African continent, in which more than 300 companies are participating with their products. An important aspect of this exhibition is that it allows relatively young market participants like Uzbekistan to find partners from rapidly developing African countries.

A separate national pavilion has been organized for Uzbekistan at this international event. Mainly 4 enterprises are participating in it on behalf of the country. Among them is the Center for Innovative Technologies, which produces military and dual-use products for the Republic's security forces and foreign partners.

The enterprise participated in the exhibition with a wide range of products. These include electronic warfare systems, ballistic protection equipment such as armored helmets, vests, and plates, chemical protection equipment, optical devices, anti-drone systems, and other elements of equipment. This stand aroused serious interest among the exhibition participants. Among those who got closely acquainted with it is the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the DR Congo, Jules Banza Muilambve.

Jules Banza Muilambve.

Another national company participating in this international exhibition is Sahro. It specializes in supplying a wide spectrum of unmanned aerial systems. Various drones belonging to the Lochin brand can be found in the company's catalog. They are used in a number of missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, attack, and coordination of artillery strikes.

In particular, the Lochin HA-341(M2) model is distinguished by its vertical takeoff and landing capability. Its operational radius is 50 km, and its flight time is 2 hours. The hexacopter-type Lochin HA-251 drone is, by its characteristics, a bomber designed to drop grenades, shells, and various ammunition. It can remain in the air for half an hour with a payload weighing 10 kg. All types of unmanned aerial vehicles are equipped with a camera transmitting high-quality images, thermal sensors for night missions, and a laser rangefinder.

While the Sahro company specializes in drones, another company is engaged in manufacturing anti-drone systems. Electronic Autonomous Solutions was established in 2022, and its catalog includes portable and stationary types of electronic systems.

These include models such as EAS-1 Fowler, EAS-2 Air Fender, and EAS ADS Airshield 1MS. The first two of them are designed to be hand-carried and can neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles at a distance of 1-1.5 km. Another system called EAS Dome takes a comprehensive approach. That is, it covers a wide process from detecting threats to neutralizing them. It includes radars, optical sensors, electronic warfare systems, and interceptor drones.

The Zarba Ammunition enterprise produces cartridges of various calibers for firearms, pistols, and others. It also manufactures cartridge cases and bullet components, ammunition designed for hunting and sports, ammunition for combating drones, as well as other products intended for special purposes.

Within the framework of the exhibition, the national pavilion of Uzbekistan was visited by a number of high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Defence of the Republic of South Africa, Matsie Angelina Motshekga.

In addition, the host country's Minister of Trade, Parks Tau, also got closely acquainted with the military and dual-use products manufactured in Uzbekistan.

Minister of Trade of the Republic of South Africa Parks Tau Photo: "Daryo" According to the Defense Industry Agency, the exhibition started on September 16 and will continue until September 20. Products bearing the "Made in Uzbekistan" label will be presented to the attention of representatives of the international community until the end of the event.