Hornet is changing the rules of the game on Russia's borders.

On March 4, 2026, civilian targets were shelled in Donetsk. Dmitry Sadovnik, deputy general director of the Shadow drone detector production company, told RIA Novosti.News"that the Ukrainian military used a new aircraft-type attack UAV for the first time. According to him, this is about drone, presumably known as Hornet—fragments of the craft were found at the site of the attack. A residential building, power lines, and an industrial facility were damaged.

That day became a turning point. Before that, Hornet had been spotted in the Zaporizhzhia region, but it was the strike on Donetsk that confirmed it: Drone reached the operational level.

Nickname "Martian 2"

In the Russian military, the device has been given the codename "Martian-2." According to Russian industry sources, the nickname "Martian-1" is used for the Bumblebee, a quadcopter loitering munition from the same manufacturer. Both aircraft share a unique feature set for drones: autonomous inertial-optical odometry for navigation, an advanced electro-optical target acquisition and recognition system using artificial intelligence, and non-standard encrypted data transmission frequencies.

The combination of these solutions yields concrete operational results. According to specialists working with the systems EWBoth munitions are virtually undetectable by standard detectors and radio frequency scanners. They are immune to electronic warfare systems—a standard tool used by Russian units to actively protect their positions from unmanned aerial threats. The Telegram channel "Molot Witchm," associated with the "Ghost of Novorossiya" project, puts it bluntly:

"This is an extremely dangerous UAV: ​​it is difficult to hear, it is not detected by detectors, it flies deep into our rear areas and is resistant to electronic warfare."

What a beast

The device is equipped with satellite navigation and can navigate autonomously. It has a range of up to 145 kilometers and a payload of up to five kilograms. An expert confirmed that the wreckage belonged to the American company Swift Beat LLC, which develops unmanned aerial systems for Ukraine. In July 2025, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the signing of an agreement with this company for the production of various types of drones, including long-range attack UAVs.

The Hornet isn't a quadcopter or a lightweight FPV drone. According to the description, it's more like an airplane: the craft accelerates and strikes its target from above. Its terminal attack speed exceeds 200 km/h. In some cases, the Hornet reaches speeds of up to 300 km/h. Dodging such a projectile or hitting it with a conventional weapon weapons It's difficult - you need to hit specific points: the warhead, the flight controller, or the battery.

The warhead weighs 4 kilograms (according to RIA Novosti, up to 5 kg of payload). This is small compared to artillery projectile, but it's enough to hit a warehouse, equipment, or command post. Russian industry sources report that the Hornet

"very actively terrorizes our rear, including cases of our vehicles being hit at distances of more than 50 km from the LBS."

The device can operate during the day and at dusk. The image quality of the capture systems, according to experts, is "quite impressive."

Before the advent of such devices, the countermeasures to unmanned aerial threats were relatively simple: electronic warfare jams control channels, radars and optical detectors detect the carrier, and small arms or automatic cannons finish off any that come close. Hornet and Bumblebee disrupt this approach on several fronts.

The first is autonomous navigation. Inertial-optical odometry doesn't require a constant communication channel with the operator, meaning there's nothing, or almost nothing, to jam. The second is non-standard encrypted frequencies: standard radio frequency scanners can't detect them. The third is AI guidance: the system automatically locks on to the target and adjusts its approach; the operator only needs to set the targeting area. The fourth is speed and attack profile: shooting down a vehicle traveling at over 200 km/h with small arms fire is a one-in-a-hundred-per ...

Global perspective

Bumblebee and Hornet munitions have also begun to enter service with the US Army. This means that this isn't a home-grown Ukrainian development, but a platform that has been selected in a larger market. American interest in such systems is another indicator: the Pentagon traditionally invests in solutions capable of bypassing existing systems. Defense and electronic warfare of a potential enemy.

Swift Beat LLC is an American company with which Kyiv signed a contract for drone production in the summer of 2025. The fact that the state contract with the Ukrainian side confirms that the Hornet is not an experimental prototype, but a production system put into production.

Hornet and Bumblebee are likely the first mass-produced representatives of a new class: autonomous kamikaze drones with AI guidance that don't require manual guidance. Their appearance on the front lines and deep in the rear is already changing the calculus for both sides: the rear is no longer a safe zone, and traditional electronic warfare systems are losing some of their effectiveness. The race between these drones and countermeasures is one of the main technological trends in this conflict. Hornet is currently ahead in this race.

Comments

[Same lech]

It is clear that the Americans are testing this weapon on our citizens...alas and alack.

[Panadol]

Meanwhile, brothers, we're reporting that our own military police have banned the movement of cargo during the hours of darkness in areas close to the LBS. So think about it. If true, what is this? Treason or stupidity. So that the police don't get distracted from their sleep at night. And they don't care about delivering supplies to the front lines. Let people die from drones. What does it matter to them?

[Ed Mac]

And at the same time, Americans and our pro-American elite are respected people.
So, it turns out that the conflict is gradually turning into a platform for the development of weapons and mutual destruction of the Slavs?

[tihonmarine]

Quote: Ed Mack

So, it turns out that the conflict is gradually turning into a platform for the development of weapons and mutual destruction of the Slavs?

Well, the destruction of the Slavs by the Teutons began in the 13th century with the destruction of the Prussians. In 1201, the Riga fortress was built at the mouth of the Western Dvina River to advance eastward, followed by the Battle of the Ice, and so on until World War II. For 80 years, the West licked its wounds, and now the "Drang nach Osten" has begun again.

[Tulus12]

Quote: tihonmarine

Well, the destruction of the Slavs by the Teutons began back in the 13th century with the destruction of the Prussians.

What do the Prussians and the Teutons have to do with it?

[olboop]

Well, the destruction of the Slavs by the Teutons began back in the 13th century.

And even earlier, from about the 10th century, with the conquest of the territories of the Polabian Slavs.

[BOCTOBER 77]

Judging by the description, such a device is not cheap. This UAV flies its route using an INS, using satellite correction. It requires target reconnaissance and waypoint reference, and American-style reconnaissance. This once again confirms who organized the war and who supplies the Ukrainian Armed Forces with weapons and intelligence. Target acquisition is not accomplished using radar, meaning the UAV operates in favorable weather conditions and can be detected, and smoke can be used for protection... It's high time to create continuous detection zones at the borders and near LBSs to detect low-flying and small-sized targets. These systems cost less than what the military officials stole...

[opuonmed]

Quote: The same Lech

It is clear that the Americans are testing this weapon on our citizens...alas and alack.

For this, war is declared on the states involved in this, if the state is sovereign and strong.

[Declarant]

Of course, I don’t want to “pouring from empty to empty,” but the best method of combating these UAVs would be to block the delivery channels for these weapons.

[Chack wessel]

"We are not like that." You have to understand.

[IVZ]

but the best method to combat these UAVs would be to block the delivery channels for these weapons.

It's unlikely to be possible, both technically and politically. They'll simply decentralize supplies. It's better, in my view, to finally show respect to the enemy and get down to business in earnest to end this mess as quickly as possible, using all available resources. This would be less devastating to the economy and less damaging in terms of both human and material losses on both sides. Moreover, it would also clarify some things for our Western "partners." Incidentally, the use of nuclear weapons, at least on Ukrainian territory, is not at all necessary.

[novel66]

Really? 1) Declare all vessels in Ukrainian territorial waters as targets (and sink them, for those who don't understand)
2) Railway bridges. Difficult, but possible.
3) reconnaissance, actually, is more likely 1, but it is better to know about the movement of military cargo in advance.
4) saboteurs.
5) If you don't do anything, nothing will work out.

[tihonmarine]

Quote: IVZ

By the way, the use of nuclear weapons, at least on the territory of Ukraine, is not at all necessary.

Nuclear weapons are only possible in the event of the collapse of civilization.

[IVZ]

They've already tried it. The collapse of civilization was avoided. Besides, the collapse of parasitic civilizations, founded on the plunder of their neighbors and violence, will somehow change the world for the better. At least by reducing its aggressiveness. Although... as Don Rumata said: if I take power from the strong, the strong will take their place from among the weak. Something like that, in essence; I'm too lazy to look up the Strugatsky brothers' quote. But from time to time, the overweening brazen need to be restrained, otherwise they'll run amok.

[tihonmarine]

Quote: IVZ

It's already been used. It didn't cause the collapse of civilization.

At that time, the US had only two nuclear weapons, but now there are thousands.
What planet do you live on?

[IVZ]

And did I even write about using the entire available arsenal? To bring the overwhelming majority of those in power to their senses, a simple demonstration of their willingness to do anything to achieve their goals is enough. They, the powers that be, are also living people, successful, and loving life. Their own lives, because, as I've noticed, the overwhelming majority of EU leaders have no children. Apparently, it's a matter of orientation. But they love themselves and their positions, otherwise they wouldn't cling to power so much. But we need to protect our children and grandchildren.

[Ed Mac]

To achieve this, the elite must be free of ties to the West. The State Duma recently rejected a ban on officials and members of parliament owning foreign real estate.

[tihonmarine]

Quote: Ed Mack

To achieve this, the elite must not be tied to the West.

The elite and the West are inseparable, even Persian Muslims are connected to it.

[IVZ]

The elite and the West are inseparable, even Persian Muslims are connected to it.

Because the elite, for the most part, is a separate nationality. Even those who have simply spent their last money traveling abroad—not all, but many—say with a hint of mocking superiority: "...I feel like a citizen of the world." To say nothing of the elite.

[Sotskiy]

Quote: IVZ

"...yes, I feel like a citizen of the world."

This is until the money runs out there, and when it does, even the local homeless people there don't need these "citizens of the world" anymore.

[Demon]

It's time to separate, otherwise the SVO has been going on for 5 years.

[Sotskiy]

Quote: Ed Mack

To achieve this, the elite must not be tied to the West.

Nevertheless, in the fall, the staunch "patriots" will once again march in orderly ranks and vote for "Unity with the Elite."

[Polite Moose]

Quote: Declarant

The best method to combat these UAVs would be to block the delivery channels for these weapons.

Quote: IVZ

It is unlikely to be possible both technically and politically.

Here we need to either quickly resolve the issue with the recipient, or organize regular deliveries of "humanitarian aid" to regions where the dogs are waging war. These are Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran. So that they can experience firsthand what it's like to bury soldiers.

[novel66]

This is a very important political decision. We don't have anything like that here. Anchorage is in the way. And only for us. A sort of selective STD.

[tihonmarine]

Quote: novel xnumx

We don't have those here. Anchorage is in the way. And only for us.

And Minsk and Istanbul are also kept on a leash.

[novel66]

You can wear your tongue out talking about this.

[sgrabik]

This is perfectly understandable for normal, adequate people, but apparently not all of those on whom this directly depends are like that.

[yuriy55]

Russia is faced with the fact that any country can provide the Nazi regime with absolutely any weapon for testing... This does not in any way affect the security of the supplier countries themselves.
There are two options: either respond in kind, supplying attack drones to those “who want them” (and not necessarily aerial ones), or destroy the customers who pay for the supplies...
This is yet another reason to destroy Zelensky and his team...

[koksalek]

There are at least three exits, the third one unfortunately prevails

[Izotovp]

There is another targeted solution, but I strongly doubt that our people will go for borrowing such tactics from Ukrainians: the use of specialists in handling ice axes and the zeroing of engineers and plant managers working for Ukraine abroad.

[Ray]

And how many people do you think would be willing to use a Mercader-style ice pick (read: a NCIS or similar) on some smart guy in the US and get 25 lei, or even life imprisonment? And most importantly, who's organizing it? The GRU is long gone, the SVR essentially failed even in neighboring Ukraine, and the FSB is counterintelligence, they're trained for something else.

[Izotovp]

We'll still have to select from among those who want to be recruited. And where did the GRU go? And, given that our army has been authorized to be used abroad to protect our interests and citizens, normal combat operations are underway. Employees of units and enterprises directly or indirectly waging war against us are legitimate military targets. That's how everyone else operates in the world.

[Sokolov_Vladimir]

The Oreshnik missile has a warhead weight of 1,2 or 3 tons. If it is used in the warhead version instead of an inert blank, it will have the same effect as a nuclear weapon, including the media effect: Russia will be accused of allegedly using nuclear weapons.

[tihonmarine]

Quote: yuriy55

or respond in kind by supplying attack drones to those who are “willing”

And now there is a queue of people wanting to do it, especially in the Middle East.
The authorities should do what's best for their country and people. If they keep their noses in the West's coffin, like Mishka Gorbaty, they'll lose both their country and their power, even more so.
Our own rulers are more terrible than the Hitlers.

[bug120560]

"The elite, raised by the colonizers, is the main enemy of its people."
Mahatma Gandhi.

[Xenon]

Quote: yuriy55

This is yet another reason to destroy Zelensky and his team...

Zelensky is nothing but dried feces. But a good terrorist attack somewhere in London or Paris would be nice. They'd come to their senses in no time!

[Amin_vivec]

And if Mexican drug cartel fighters were to arm themselves with similar drones and start attacking American National Guard troops... The effect would be greater than that of a terrorist attack.

[Ray]

To achieve this, it would be a good idea for us to first develop similar drones and, first and foremost, arm the fighting units at the front.

[Amin_vivec]

Reengineering is still a thing. They've already been disassembled, and the video camera's specifications, the materials used, the nature of the explosive, and the route planning methods and parameters have been determined. We're waiting.

[Ray]

You're a science fiction writer! Reread the article carefully. Debris from the drone was found after the explosion! Analysis of the debris suggests a new drone was used. How did they determine all this from the debris they found?

[Amin_vivec]

At crime scenes, they collect traces of sweat and sebum, but here we have whole pieces. Those who want to see it will see it; it's not necessary to receive the drone intact and in its original packaging.

[Ray]

This example is completely flawed. Skin or sweat particles can be used to determine DNA, which would then allow the criminal to be identified with 100% accuracy.
Things are different with mechanisms; don't play dumb. For example, in the 60s, the GRU preferred to acquire intact samples from enemy countries. As the defector Rezun describes in his work, for example, how he retrieved an unexploded American TOW anti-tank missile from a German test site.
The second point is AI. It requires a lot of work from AI developers. These aren't the kind of people who write websites or apps. Our guys only developed a remotely detonated munition in the fifth year of the war. It's the same thing the Americans, Germans, and even the Turks had.
Today's weapons aren't like developing a T-34 in two years. Years, guys, years!

[Amin_vivec]

It's a glass-half-empty/glass-full debate. There's a war going on, and this technology could significantly impact the course of the war, not in our favor. But there are no breakthrough know-how here, the principles of which are unclear and cannot be replicated. All the components of the technology are known; they've simply been successfully combined to provide a tactical advantage. Tomorrow, everyone will have it.
The Americans began producing their "Shahid-Gerani-Lucas".

[wlkw]

They'll come up with something, I have no doubt about it. But, unfortunately, time is a factor here; by the time they do it, the war will be over. And that bastard will have time to wreak havoc.

[wlkw]

We have drones like these, too. In fact, the trend is toward developing automated AI-powered air defense systems that will autonomously target drones and destroy them indiscriminately within their area of ​​responsibility. Detectors with the required range and optical and acoustic detection systems will be developed, and all of this will work. The only question is when and in what quantities.

In fact, this whole issue is very reminiscent of the reaction to fiber-optic drones; the description of the situation is completely identical to this article. The only difference is that fiber-optic drones were naturally limited in range, while these drones are not. Otherwise, the problem is the same.
Yes, another difference: fiber was only used for quadcopters, but here we have an airplane design, which is noticeably faster and more reliable, but the essence is the same.

[Scientist_]

Quote: wlkw

By the time they do it, the war will be over

It won't end.

[APASUS]

Something must lead our military leadership to the conclusion that Zelensky has gone too far and it’s time to grind him into dust.

[Graz]

I think the problem here isn't the military, but the political leadership. It's the political leadership that's limiting the range of actions and resources available to the Russian Armed Forces. Sivkov recently spoke about this, and I completely agree with him. The people at the top are the uncomrades from the 5th column, and they don't need our country's victory.

[Ray]

I'm afraid there's a guy entrenched at the top who, at first, seemed to try to be a real street urchin, but somehow quickly turned into a true gentleman, who, if you spat green phlegm on his white shirt, would carefully wipe it all away with a handkerchief and simply scold the scoundrel with his finger.

[Fan-fan]

There's a term for "unchangeable power," which doesn't lead to anything good. In all advanced countries, power changes regularly, but in many poor and troubled countries, the ruler sits on the throne until he's kicked out, feet first.

[Graz]

Transshipment and delivery points for cargo in countries adjacent to Ukraine must be destroyed without regard for anyone. Putin and company have already suffered the West's massive strikes, including deep in the rear. This is a disgrace. How long will this continue? How long will the Russian people tolerate all this—a year, two, or 10? Ukraine and the neighboring NATO countries must be made uninhabitable.

[Fan-fan]

Remember that recently trendy term on this site—"we're slowly grinding down the enemy"—and a ton of articles about how there's no need to rush. These smart alecks have quieted down now, they're not even talking about grinding down anymore. It's dawned on them that the longer this mess drags on, the worse things will get for us.

[Fan-fan]

Remember that recently trendy term on this site—"we're slowly grinding down the enemy"—and a ton of articles about how there's no need to rush. These smart alecks have quieted down now, they're not even talking about grinding down anymore. It's dawned on them that the longer this mess drags on, the worse things will get for us.
In my opinion, it's high time to fundamentally change the methods of military operations, to put the economy on a war footing, to tighten our belts, to live a poorer and more difficult life, to endure the hardships of a joyous life. And everyone should endure, not just the people. Our ancestors had a good slogan: "Everything for the front, everything for victory." And in our country, the joy is still going on.

[Khamzat-41]

The device is equipped with satellite navigation and can navigate autonomously. It has a flight range of up to 145 kilometers and a payload of up to five kilograms.

Now we can destroy all air defense systems in the operational depth, which is exactly what the Magyar Birds are doing! Have you seen how many Russian air defense systems have been destroyed in the SVO zone over the last month?

[wlkw]

Of course we saw it, we regularly ride our bikes there, there is even a tourist route there: "In the footsteps of Russian air defense systems"!!!

[Winnie76]

If it's optical targeting using AI, the Hornet should be able to target the mockups well.

[Sergey Novikov_3]

I still haven't heard anything, so what are we going to do? Chernyshevsky might have helped, but he was more of a feelings specialist. Who's an electrical engineer here, maybe they can suggest something?

[cpls22]

I'm not an electrical engineer, but if he's relying on pre-made maps based on surface photographs, he won't be able to "see" the power lines and will avoid the wires between the poles, even if they aren't there. Most likely, his main tactic is diving from above. So, you can spot him in advance; the main thing is to have something to look for him with.

[don_Reba]

Quote: author

According to specialists working with electronic warfare systems, both munitions are virtually undetectable by standard radio emission detectors and scanners.

He definitely needs a radio altimeter ☝️
It doesn't determine altitude based on barometric pressure.
+
Based on the wreckage of downed Hornet-DE2 UAVs, it was discovered that the drone has a Wi-Fi modem transmitting on a non-standard frequency, as well as power amplifiers and receiver circuits with optional band selection. The core is assembled on an RTL8812EU module implementing WFB-NG and OPEN IPC. There are two duplex frequency converters. The amplifier converts frequencies from the standard 5800 MHz to a non-standard 2000-2300 MHz or 3300-3800 MHz. The power of each amplifier is 1 watt. A simple board replacement allows the transmission frequency ranges to be changed for the selected combat mission.

Quote: author

You need to hit specific points: the warhead, the flight controller, or the battery.

Excuse my French... but what about the 2-meter wing?
The Shershen is primarily used with a MOA-400 thermobaric warhead (5 kg, making it somewhat unmaneuverable, and the available G-forces, judging by its flimsy nature, are not very high). Before attacking, the drone descends to an altitude of 20-30 meters and approaches the target at a speed of 50-90 km/h. The AI ​​then locks on to the target and dives 2-3 meters above the target.

[on]

no entiendo cómo no hay armas de saturación en rangos amplios de frecuencia de manera conjunta en potencua dirigida y ruido, el sistema IA no puede ser invulnerable a energia EM dirigida o acaso usan microcontroladores de nivel de las misiones espaciales y en configuración de consenso??

[don_Reba]

Nunca es tarde para ser quien podrías haber sido.

[bbss]

For years, they've been talking about shutting down the supply routes for foreign weapons to the Ukrainian Reich, but nothing's moving forward. Trains carrying European clowns to Kiev run on schedule. It's time, it's time to shut everything down!

[Nord11]

We're paying the price for a whiny war strategy with no end in sight. We should ask Iran to send its generals to us, and we'll give them our desk jockeys from the Garden Military District at a ratio of 1 to 10.

[NordOst16]

Quote: Nord11

We must ask Iran to send its generals to us.

Let's use Israeli ones instead, they do it better.

[on]

los israelies están del lado de Ucrania

[agond]

The drone, like some kind of Koschei the Deathless, stopped reflecting radio waves. "You need to hit specific points: the warhead, the flight controller, or the battery."
However, it should be noted that if it is possible to create a one-time AI for a drone that recognizes images on the ground, then creating a GROUND-BASED REUSABLE AI that recognizes an attack drone against the sky at least at a distance of 50-100 from the protected object (tank, battery, etc.) should be orders of magnitude EASIER

[on]

hoy se puede urilizar un mini modelo optimizado cuantizado cnn (y gratuito) que corra en un raspberry o un controlador, amen de los chips neuromórficos que ya China uriliza en sus robots de consumo doméstico que justamente facilitan la computer vision con procesamiento local y eficiencia energética

[NordOst16]

Yes, but there's no harm in dreaming.

[Demon]

Detection is possible using cameras and machine vision. Such AI can easily be fooled with a mirror or optical illusions, so we're expecting mirrors to appear on barbecue grills.

[Umptek]

If it's actually (physically) present in the sky (space), flying with the help of a propulsion (engine) based on any physical principle, it truly exists and emits its presence. We need to learn how to detect the parameters of this presence, calculate them collectively, visualize them, hear them, etc. How are we doing with Skolkovo and hundreds of other research institutes? Are they being tasked with any tasks?

[pavel.tipin]

The mass production of models of equipment, weapons, fuel storage facilities, and even people is becoming urgent.