200 Ukrainian-made “Blyskavka” strike drones delivered to Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces

Kyiv, Ukraine

Tuesday October 7, 2025

Two hundred Ukrainian Blyskavka (“Lightning”) fixed-wing FPV drones were received by one of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces units. The manufacturing and delivery of these drones were made possible by the Heroes Lightning fundraising campaign, implemented by the “Unite with Ukraine” initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) in collaboration with Останній Капіталіст, Saint Javelin, and the Company Group. This project was made possible through crowd-sourced contributions from the global Ukrainian diaspora, friends of Ukraine worldwide, and individual donors within Ukraine.

Developed and produced in Ukraine, the Blyskavka UAV is a fixed-wing, first-person-view (FPV) strike drone capable of carrying a 9-kilogram payload over distances of approximately 40 kilometers. Designed to fulfill the operational requirements of Ukraine’s elite Special Operations Forces, the system enables precision engagement of heavily fortified enemy targets, including armored vehicles, underground bunkers, and entrenched positions.

Every component of the Blyskavka drone, from its airframe to its onboard systems, showcases Ukraine’s expanding defense manufacturing capability. The platform was engineered to meet the demands of modern warfare, emphasizing range, payload versatility, adaptability to electronic warfare conditions, and cost effectiveness.

“This project is a continuation of the global Ukrainian diaspora’s ongoing investment in Ukraine’s defense and independence,” said Andrew Potichnyj, Director of the Unite with Ukraine initiative. “From the first days of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians around the world have stood shoulder to shoulder with those on the front lines.”

The 200 newly delivered Blyskavka drones are now being integrated into the active operations of one of Ukraine’s most experienced and decorated Special Operations Forces units. Their deployment will enhance operational reach and survivability, enabling operators to engage targets deep behind enemy lines while minimizing risks to personnel.

“Drones are one of the key aspects of this war. They allow us to strike the enemy from a distance, thereby reducing the risk to the lives of our soldiers, while also stopping the aggressor and preventing further advances.” said Valentin Krasnopyorov, founder of Останній Капіталіст.

“These modern technical tools, given the current limited resources, are the most effective. For example, the cost of one drone is much lower than that of an armored vehicle it can destroy. The enemy has greater resources, so we must be more efficient to ensure that truth and justice prevail.” Volodymyr Malyshevskyi, founder of the Company Group.

This achievement reflects an extraordinary level of international solidarity and civic engagement, highlighting how collective action powered by numerous contributions can yield tangible and strategic outcomes on the battlefield.

The Heroes Lightning project exemplifies a successful collaboration between Ukrainian civil society, private industry, and global partners united in the common mission of strengthening Ukraine’s defense, protecting its people, and bringing victory closer.