Ukraine’s New FPVs Hit Targets Sixty Miles Behind Russian Lines

A simple, low-cost modification — detachable wings — is turning Ukraine's cheap FPV drones into long-range precision weapons capable of striking targets 60 miles behind Russian lines. The innovation, reported by Forbes, could change the calculus of the war by giving Ukraine a scalable, affordable way to hit deep logistics hubs without the need for expensive, scarce missiles.

Ukraine's military has increasingly relied on first-person-view (FPV) drones for tactical strikes, but their range has been limited to roughly 5–10 miles due to the battery drain of multicopter flight. The new detachable wing kit allows the drone to transition from quadcopter to glider after launch, extending its reach dramatically. The wings are added in the field, cost virtually nothing, and are discarded upon arrival. The result: a precision strike capability that reaches 60 miles — far enough to threaten Russian supply depots, command posts, and rail heads deep in occupied territory.

The breakthrough comes at a critical moment. As Ukraine seeks to conserve its stock of Western-supplied long-range munitions, any cost-effective alternative is urgently needed. FPV drones already cost as little as $500 each; adding detachable wings adds perhaps $50. By contrast, a single Storm Shadow cruise missile costs over $1 million. The math is compelling.

According to the Forbes report, Ukrainian units have already used the modified drones to hit targets near the Russian city of Belgorod, about 60 miles from the front line. The drones are launched from standard positions behind Ukrainian lines, then fly a hybrid profile: multicopter for takeoff and terminal approach, gliding for the long cruise. Operators guide them via video feed, ensuring terminal accuracy. The destruction of a large ammunition depot near Valuyki in late May 2026 was attributed to this new system.

Military analysts say the innovation represents a paradigm shift in drone warfare. "This is the industrialisation of precision strike at the tactical edge," noted Sam Bendett, a drone warfare expert at CNA. "Ukraine is already the world leader in FPV combat. Adding range without adding cost is a force multiplier that Russia will struggle to counter." Bendett pointed out that Russia has long-range EW jamming, but the sheer number of low-cost drones can overwhelm defenses.

The outlook is uncertain but transformative. Ukraine is expected to begin mass-producing the wing kits within weeks, potentially deploying thousands of extended-range drones per month. Russia will likely accelerate countermeasures — electronic warfare, kinetic interceptors, and camouflage — but the low cost and adaptability of the system make it a moving target. If successful, this model could spread to other conflict zones, democratising deep-strike precision. For Ukraine, the path is clear: cheap wings, long reach, relentless pressure.