Ukrainian Leleka and Bulava drones gain remote control capability, expanding operational reach

What happened

Ukrainska Pravda English reports that Ukrainian defence manufacturer DeViro has introduced a remote control function to its Leleka reconnaissance UAV and Bulava mid-range strike drone, according to Roman Cherednychenko, the company’s marketing director, in an interview with Ukrainian defence-focused outlet Defender Media.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. With a stable internet connection, DeViro says operators can now control these drones from anywhere within Ukraine. However, the launch process still requires an on-site field team to position near the front line — typically 15-20 km away — to connect the communication station to the internet and initiate the UAV before relocating to safety.

DeViro has recently showcased upgraded versions of these drones at Eurosatory 2026. The Bulava M2V’s strike range has been extended from 80 km to 130 km, its warhead increased from 3.6 kg to 5 kg, and flight endurance nearly doubled to 95 minutes. This upgraded model is currently in beta testing.

Known from the source

• DeViro is a Ukrainian defence company that manufactures Leleka reconnaissance and Bulava strike drones.
• DeViro has added a remote control function enabling control of Leleka and Bulava drones from anywhere in Ukraine given stable internet connectivity.
• Launch still requires an on-site field team near the front line to connect the drone to the internet and initiate flight.
• The Bulava M2V drone has increased strike range (80 to 130 km), larger warhead (3.6 to 5 kg), and longer flight endurance (up to 95 minutes).
• The new Leleka M2R model has increased range (over 100 km), an enemy interceptor evasion system, and improved wind resistance.

What remains unclear

Meanwhile, the new Leleka M2R model improves its operating range to over 100 km, adds an enemy interceptor drone evasion system, and offers enhanced wind resistance. These upgrades suggest a focus on survivability and extended operational reach for Ukrainian forces.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independently confirm operational deployment of the remote control function for Leleka and Bulava drones by Ukrainian forces in the field. Verify the status and results of beta testing for Bulava M2V and testing of Leleka M2R models. Check if there is any official statement from Ukrainian defense authorities on the integration or plans for these drones with remote control capabilities.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.