New Ukrainian drone cuts air support costs to under $7,000
The RP7 Chomga allows ground units to maintain communication and launch small strike craft without heavy infrastructure.
By Noor Graham ·
A new fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle is entering active service in Ukraine. Ukrspetsdronprom officially presented the RP7 Chomga on Tuesday. The aircraft is designed to operate as a modular platform for reconnaissance, strike operations, and communication support.
The complete system costs between $5,000 and $7,000. This price range depends on the specific communications hardware selected by the buyer. The design focuses on field maintenance. Technicians can repair the aircraft using basic tools. These include a cordless drill, a screwdriver, and a rivet gun.
The Chomga uses a conventional fixed-wing design. It requires prepared sites for take-off and landing. Operators control the aircraft through two primary methods. The first is a proprietary SkyLoki analogue radio-control system built to resist jamming. The second option connects to a Starlink satellite terminal. This setup includes a remote-control system with an integrated LTE modem.
In its strike configuration, known as the RP7 Chomga M-Fly, the platform carries a laser target designator. This system guides RP7-10 SkyLoki FPV drones equipped with optical seekers. The carrier variant can transport up to three RP7-10 strike drones. Each of these carries a 1 kg warhead. Alternatively, the Chomga can carry two drones with higher-capacity batteries.
The platform also supports air defense roles. In this mode, it carries three RP7-Zenit interceptor drones integrated with the SineLink system. These interceptors reach speeds of 250 km/h. In boost mode, they accelerate to 320 km/h. They remain airborne for up to 20 minutes. Each interceptor carries a 0.4 kg warhead.
For communication support, the manufacturer developed the RP7-15-RLY SkyLoki Ultra+ repeater. This device supports strike groups. Developers chose not to use the Chomga as a permanent repeater due to its vulnerability at low speeds. Instead, the company opted for a tethered balloon-mounted system. This system operates for up to 10 hours without intervention.
Standard performance specifications show a maximum payload of 15 kg. The cruising speed is 75 km/h, and the maximum speed is 110 km/h. The aircraft operates at altitudes up to 1,500 m. It offers a flight endurance of up to 90 minutes. The Chomga requires a runway of up to 50 m for take-off and landing. As a bomber-drone, it carries a 15 kg payload to a distance of 60 km and returns to base. As a one-way attack drone with a 15 kg warhead, its range extends to 100-125 km.
The manufacturer has also developed the Chomga Light. This lighter variant handles less demanding missions. It carries a 5 kg payload over distances of up to 80 km. The company is now in discussions with military units for supply agreements. Combat trials will test specific tactical scenarios on the front line. SkyLoki communications modules previously underwent electronic warfare testing with units of the 10th Army Corps.
