Ushkuynik KVN
| Prince Vandal of Novgorod | |
|---|---|
| Type | Fiber optic FPV loitering munition |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2024-present |
| Used by | Russian Armed Forces |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Ushkuynik Scientific and Production Center |
| Produced | 2024-present |
The Ushkuynik Prince Vandal of Novgorod (Russian: Князь Вандал Новгородский), commonly referred to as KVN, is a fiber optic FPV loitering munition developed by the Ushkuynik Scientific and Production Center for the Russian Armed Forces. The drone was designed around the concept of a spooled fiber optic cable, ensuring high quality video transmission, while being immune from signal jamming methods of deterring traditional radio controlled drones.
Operational history
Kursk offensive
The KVN saw widespread use with the Russian Armed Forces during the Kursk offensive (2024-2025).[1][2][3]
Operators
Current operators
See also
References
- ^ Marti, Werner J. (2025-03-17). "New fiber-optic drones are changing the war in Ukraine". Neue Zürcher Zeitung (in Swiss High German). ISSN 0376-6829. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ a b "Морпехи показали работу дрона «Князь Вандал» в Курской области". Телеканал «Звезда» (in Russian). Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "How 'almost indetectable' drones are being used in the war in Ukraine". euronews. 2024-09-01. Retrieved 2025-05-21.