Ukraine’s ZEUS Drone: too fast to escape from, deadly to Russian tech

Contents

1. Who developed the ZEUS UAV

2. What is the ZEUS UAV

3. Technical characteristics of ZEUS 10

4. What else is known about the ZEUS UAV

Who developed the ZEUS UAV

The ZEUS unmanned aerial systems were developed by the SkyForce UAV operator school, an officially recognized institution for training UAV operators and crew members. SkyForce earned this status through its involvement in an experimental project by Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.

SkyForce produces a whole series of FPV drones named after Olympian gods. In addition to the 10-inch ZEUS, the company offers the 7-inch PROMETHEUS, 8-inch HADES, 9-inch ARES, 13-inch HEPHAESTUS, and 15-inch HERA.

In February 2025, the Ministry of Defense codified and approved the ZEUS and HADES unmanned aerial systems for use in Ukrainian Armed Forces units, according to the Main Directorate for Armament and Military Equipment Lifecycle Support.

What is the ZEUS UAV

The drone named after Zeus has passed the full range of factory, laboratory, ground, and flight tests, and as a result, was codified and received NATO nomenclature numbers.

The manufacturers describe the ZEUS 10" as an FPV drone “that knows no obstacles.”

“Designed for the most challenging missions, this drone combines power, speed, and reliability. Clear visuals, stable connection, and high payload capacity — everything needed for effective operations,” reads a post on SkyForce’s social media.

According to the Ministry of Defense website, ZEUS drones are highly resistant to enemy electronic warfare systems.

"Thanks to engine tuning and an improved control system, ZEUS drones can chase and strike enemy equipment moving at high speeds. They can also target field fortifications, armored vehicles, and enemy personnel," writes the Defense Ministry website.

The drones can reach high speeds and perform complex maneuvers with centimeter-level accuracy. They are equipped with high-resolution cameras and maintain high stability, even in strong winds or challenging weather conditions.

Technical characteristics of ZEUS 10"

• Speed – up to 120 km/h,
• Payload – 3 kg,
• Range – 15.9 km,
• Tactical radius – 14 km,
• Flight time – 17 minutes.

As for the price, the manufacturer does not list it on the official website, but on marketplaces, drones can be found for around 16,500 UAH (around 400 USD).

What else is known about the ZEUS UAV

ZEUS drones can be purchased individually or as a drone aviation complex. The complex includes 100 FPV drones, as well as 100 batteries and initiation modules each, a ground control station, a control panel, three antennas, a mast, a transport container, and more.

Among the drone modifications are a fiber-optic module, target designation, anti-aircraft modification, floating frequencies, and night vision. On May 14, 2025, the manufacturers announced a new variant of ZEUS.

"Another small batch of drones is ready! What’s special is the anti-aircraft modification of our powerful ZEUS. Orlan, come closer, don’t be afraid," SkyForce said in a statement.

Anti-aircraft drones are designed to destroy aerial forces and, according to Ukrainian reporters, these drones have helped at least partially "close the sky" over the front line. In September 2024, a video was released showing Ukrainian anti-aircraft FPV drones hitting over a hundred aerial targets.

Defense Express analysts believe that anti-aircraft FPV drones may be better than traditional anti-aircraft missiles because they share one key feature — a relatively low cost, which is the main goal in developing new air defense systems.

"Also, the weight and size of such drones are smaller than any missile, and one crew can launch a much larger number of air defense assets. Ultimately, when it comes to drones, there is the possibility of swarm use. Thus, an anti-aircraft drone with machine vision objectively becomes the smallest, simplest, most mobile, and cheapest system of all. Moreover, unlike missiles, it does not have the typical revealing factors that accompany missile launches," the article said.