The Punisher: An Impressive Drone Produced in Ukraine

UkraineWorld spoke with Maksym Muzyka, CEO at UA Dynamics, about the peculiarities of this drone and about technology gaining ground in modern warfare.

Key points – in our brief. #UkraineWorldAnalysis

History of the Punisher drone

• The Punisher is a reusable strike drone produced in Ukraine with the lowest mission cost in the world. Its history began in 2016, with the creation of the first prototype in 2018. There were many noteworthy results of the Punisher being used between 2018 to 2020, but this information was not made public, as it was used in special operations.
• There was a recognised need for investments in late 2021, and suitable investment opportunities were identified and pursued. As a result, the UA Dynamics company was established in January 2022. This took place a short time before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. It was widely assumed that this war would break out and it would last a long time. And so, our company was aware of the need for strike drones.
• There were only two prototypes at the beginning of the full-scale invasion - both used in the defense of Kyiv. In the middle of April, when the Russian troops were forced to withdraw from Kyiv, active production began. As factory crews, some team members continue to leave their day job to go to the front line and employ the Punishers.

The concept of Punisher and why it is an impressive piece of machinery

• Before the full-scale invasion the world had a choice of large strike drones worth millions of dollars, such as the Reaper or Bayraktar, or kamikaze drones worth around $20,000. Small reusable strike drones didn't exist.
• Due to high demand and factors created by war, some drone manufacturers offered Ukraine kamikaze drones for $60,000 per item.

"That's why, as we worked on the concept, we realised that reusable strike drones capable of carrying out dozens or hundreds of missions makes sense."

• The Punisher was designed to fly long distances (45 km on average). The distance can be extended. There have been reports of it being used at ranges of up to 60 km. The radar horizon determines the distance. With a radio repeater, the range can be extended up to 80 km.
• The benefit is that results can be achieved from the initial strike unlike artillery, which requires several salvos and correcting fire to zero in, or necessitates the use of expensive missiles, such as Storm Shadow. The Punisher can destroy weaponry worth millions of dollars by using relatively inexpensive ammunition (munition containers are supplied by the manufacturer, and soldiers need only explosives and detonators).
• The drone was built for special operations. That is why information is scarce and videos depicting  the use of the Punisher are rarely published. Moreover, the Punisher drops bombs from 400-600 m, and when they detonate, the device has already left the scene of action. As a result, capturing spectacular videos, such as those from low-flying FPV drones, is almost impossible.
• Typical targets of the Punisher are stationary - deployment sites, warehouses etc. This drone wasn't built to hunt heavy-armored mobile vehicles. Its missions are in the second and third lines of enemy defense. However, due to the lack of other weapons, the Armed Forces of Ukraine also use it on the front. So, even though it wasn't intended for such operations, it can be used for these attacks.

The war of the drones: the importance and the prospects of Ukraine

• Drones are an important element of modern warfare, which increasingly relies on technology. Even relatively low-cost FPV drones that are actively used on the battlefield are effective weapons. A drone and ammunition worth just several thousand dollars can destroy weapons worth millions of dollars.

Even if these drones only hit 1 out of 10 targets, they are still an effective piece of machinery and economically feasible.

• The lack of a system of using drones is the problem in Ukraine. Even though we have the "army of drones", and efforts and money set aside for the purchase of new drones, we are nevertheless talking about completely separate models. No matter how powerful the Punisher is, it won't be a game-changer on its own. Only systemic use can be a game-changer.
• Systematicity consists in the scheme when one drone detects potential targets, another one is used as reconnaissance, and then the strike drone is used. Meanwhile, the observer drone continues to monitor and, subsequently, confirms the hit. If a target is missed, another strike drone is dispatched immediately. This is when it is effective.
• Unfortunately, Russia has this system in operation. It is integrated into their battle management system. They have surveillance drones of different ranges, transponders and strike drones operating in a centralized system.
• We have a large number of various types of drones, each of which requires its own crew. It's a matter of training, logistics and service. So far, we've only discussed the creation of a system. However, we've, at least, started integrating intelligence so that data from drones is routed to a single system and is processed centrally.
• Our drones effectively interact with artillery. Crews search for targets, detect them and correct fire. However, it is also important to be systemic in this. We are winning the creative war, but for now, we are losing the systemic war.
• We will achieve efficiency when the time between detection and destruction is as short as possible. When this is done routinely and at a front depth of up to 50 km, the army becomes invincible. Only then it will be possible to destroy targets as soon as they appear.
• The situation is constantly changing. This war is very dynamic, which is why the solutions that were effective half a year ago no longer work. There is always constant technological  competition.

The enemy learns how we work. It blocks gps channels and bands from being used. We switch to different ones. We use more costly communication systems. We start using various methods of integrating inertial navigation systems with visual systems and machine learning.

• The Punisher has also evolved significantly. Crews are trying to find the most cost-efficient solutions. We are in constant contact with soldiers who require specific modifications. We're always looking for a balance between efficiency and cost. However, the new modifications will always work out more expensive. It will be, however, more resistant to electronic warfare.

Concerning Ukraine's prospects in the global miltech market

• There's a lot of talk about Ukraine's miltech now. Numerous conferences are being held dedicated to exactly that. Investments are coming. However, the global miltech market is extremely complex. It's a B2B and B2G market. The number of potential customers is limited. That's why, even though Ukraine's miltech is battle-tested and proven, the global potential here is limited.
• For example, UA Dynamics is known throughout the world. We've had articles in Forbes, New York Times, Washington Post etc. about us. However, it provides no market benefit except for the fact it's become a benchmark.
• Ukraine's miltech is going to be transformed after the war. Our technologies are only available for purchase at present. But we have another option. We can incorporate our developments into the NATO military industry as part of our integration with NATO.

ANASTASIIA HERASYMCHUK, ANALYST AND JOURNALIST AT UKRAINEWORLD

Maksym Muzyka, CEO at UA Dynamics