Ukraine has unveiled a new and powerful weapon in the form of its domestically developed Dovbush T10 drone, which has taken on a surprising new role. Originally designed as a reconnaissance platform, the T10 has now been modified to act as a mothership for FPV (First-Person View) kamikaze drones, transforming it into a key tool for modern warfare. This new setup allows the T10 to not only launch these kamikaze drones but also serve as a crucial communication relay, keeping the drones connected to their operators during attacks.
In a recent video shared by Ukrainian servicemember Serhii Beskrestnov (also known as Serhii Flash), viewers got a glimpse of this innovative use of the T10. The footage shows the T10 carrying two FPV kamikaze drones under its wings, ready for launch. The T10 drone acts as a “launch platform”, carrying the smaller drones on each wing, and releasing them at just the right moment. The T10 remains in motion while the kamikaze drones go off on their missions, targeting a single truck, which seems to be the test target in the video.
What’s fascinating is the way the drones are held upside down under the T10, attached by their small bomb-like payloads. When released, they flip over and head toward their targets. This setup allows the T10 mothership to carry up to six FPV drones at once, boosting the range and capabilities of these smaller, one-way attack drones, which typically have a shorter operational range.
The T10’s original purpose was to be a surveillance drone, capable of flying up to 35 kilometers (around 22 miles). It could also be used as a kamikaze drone itself, carrying a 12-kilogram warhead. The T10 costs around $12,000 in its standard form, but in this new role, it’s adding an extra layer of power and versatility to the mission.
Once the T10 mothership is in position, it launches its drones from a rack on top of a pickup truck, getting them up to speed so they can take off into the sky. The T10 drone can also withstand jamming attempts, thanks to its inertial navigation system (INS), which helps the drone continue on its path even if GPS signals are blocked—a common threat in battlefield situations.
The real advantage of the T10 acting as a mothership is that it extends the range and loiter time of the FPV drones. Normally, these drones have a limited range, but by launching them from the T10 at the edge of its own range, the FPVs get more time to maneuver, identify targets, and even surprise enemies with unexpected attack angles. Additionally, the T10 acts as a signal relay, staying close to the FPVs to maintain a strong connection between the drones and their operators, no matter how far they fly.
This type of drone combination isn’t unique to Ukraine. The Russians have also employed larger drones as launch platforms and communication relays for their own FPVs. The U.S. military and other nations are also exploring similar strategies to improve drone capabilities. However, Ukraine’s T10 mothership adds an extra layer of sophistication, blending launch and signal relay into one powerful system.
The future of drone warfare may see even more improvements, particularly with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI). Currently, human operators control the FPVs, manually guiding them toward their targets. But AI could eventually take over, making these drones more autonomous, improving their accuracy, and possibly even allowing them to continue their missions if the mothership is taken down.
The T10 mothership may not be the first of its kind, but it’s a significant example of how drones are becoming a game-changing force in modern warfare. With its ability to launch and relay signals for kamikaze drones, it’s clear that the battlefield of the future could look very different than we imagine. This new development could shape how wars are fought for years to come.
