Ukrainian defence company Octava Defence, during the international defence exhibition MSPO 2026 in Poland, presented an updated version of the FLYCAT loitering munition and its long-range modification, the FLYCAT SL. This was reported by the publication Militarnyi.
The basic FLYCAT features an X-shaped wing design. Its wingspan is 1.65 metres and its length is 1.6 metres. The drone is designed to operate in conditions of active electronic warfare and in the absence of a stable GNSS signal. According to the developers, this version of the FLYCAT has been used in combat since March 2026.
The updated version of the FLYCAT, according to the company, is capable of covering more than 80 km and remaining airborne for up to 60 minutes. The stated maximum speed reaches 150 km/h, and the warhead weight can range from 2.5 to 3.7 kg.
The drone has received two cameras and a terminal guidance module. Depending on customer requirements, the system can be equipped with two daytime cameras or a combination of day and night. The stated detection and identification range for targets is up to 2 km.
According to Octava Defence, the communications, navigation and terminal guidance systems, as well as warheads for the FLYCAT, are manufactured in Ukraine. The engines, however, are of foreign origin.
Among the targets for the FLYCAT, the company lists armoured vehicles, light shelters, artillery systems, communications equipment, antennas, radar stations and air defence systems. The FLYCAT can be used together with a reconnaissance drone: it detects the target and transmits its coordinates to the strike platform.
At the same time, the system provides for operation without a separate reconnaissance asset, as well as the simultaneous use of several drones to strike one or different targets. The improved drone began to be used in July and August, and it is currently undergoing codification.
FLYCAT SL is an enlarged modification of the FLYCAT, focused on engaging targets at long range. The wingspan of this aircraft is 1.8 metres and its length is 1.95 metres.
The stated range of the FLYCAT SL exceeds 200 km, and its endurance is 150 minutes. According to the developers, the drone can carry a payload weighing from 5 to 7 kg and reach a maximum speed of up to 140 km/h.
The long-range variant is intended for strikes on command posts, armoured vehicles, artillery and air defence assets located deep behind enemy lines. It is currently at the testing stage.
Octava Defence is a Ukrainian investment and defence technology company that is part of the Octava group. The founder of Octava Defence and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Octava Capital is Oleksandr Kardakov. The company specialises in the development and supply of technology solutions for security and defence, including unmanned systems, air threat detection tools, software and critical infrastructure protection systems.
Among Octava Defence’s main products are the FLYCAT strike UAV (in autumn 2025 it was presented by Venator Technologies, which is part of Octava Capital, whose ultimate beneficiary is Oleksandr Kardakov), the FENEK acoustic air-target detection system, the SPHERE geoinformation system, and FALCON devices for protecting aviation communications.