Polyurethane UAV boosts Ukraine’s aerial capabilities

Ukraine has introduced a new long-range drone constructed from non-carbon-fibre materials, a development intended to improve manufacturing resilience and reduce production costs amid ongoing wartime demand. The design was presented by Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister for Digital Transformation, who described it as part of the country’s effort to scale domestic unmanned systems.

According to Ukrainian news source United24Media, the drone is produced from PU foam rather than carbon fibre, which is commonly used in military-grade UAVs but is expensive and reliant on complex supply chains. Ukrainian developers say the shift enables faster, more economical manufacturing while maintaining the flight performance needed for deep-strike operations.

Fedorov said the drone has a range of up to 800 km, positioning it among Ukraine’s longest-range domestically produced systems. The article notes that the aircraft has already been tested in operational conditions. Although full specifications were not disclosed, Ukraine’s drone industry has increasingly focused on designs that can be produced in high volumes with reduced dependency on imported materials.

The Cooper UAV – produced by Ukrainian manufacturer, Polifly – is similar in format to the Iranian Shahed model, and is propelled through the air, after a catapult launch, with a rear pusher motor.

A representative involved in the programme told United24Media that the choice of materials is a strategic decision: “Carbon fibre is expensive and difficult to scale. These drones are built to be produced quickly and at low cost, with no loss of capability.”

The report highlights that Ukraine’s defence sector now includes hundreds of private drone manufacturers, many of which are prioritising designs that minimise reliance on vulnerable international supply chains. The new UAV fits into this wider strategy of industrial decentralisation and rapid production.

The introduction of this platform adds to Ukraine’s expanding catalogue of long-range systems intended for reconnaissance and strike missions. Polifly says the Cooper has a payload of up to 5.5kg.

Photo: © Polifly

Polifly