Kozytskyi Foundation to Fund Production of Besomar Drones to Combat Enemy UAVs

25.10.2024

On October 25, representatives of the Kozytskyi Charity Foundation, Besomar drone manufacturing company, and the 1020th Separate Anti-Aircraft Missile and Artillery Regiment signed a memorandum of cooperation. The foundation will fully finance the production of 70 Besomar UAV systems and provide training for future drone operators. These Ukrainian-made drones are designed to intercept and destroy enemy attack and reconnaissance drones.

According to the foundation’s director, Andriy Matolych, the project has a total cost of 12.5 million UAH and will be implemented in two stages. The UAV systems are expected to be completed by February 2025.

Besomar drones are strike-interceptor aircraft-type UAVs with impressive technical specifications. They can remain airborne for up to 2.5 hours, ascend to an altitude of 4 kilometers, and reach speeds of 160 km/h. The drones have an operational range of 50–60 kilometers. Once a target is detected, the drone operator can pursue it and detonate its warhead, which has a 5-meter impact radius.

Co-founder of Besomar, Roman Shemechko, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of these drones, which can perform tasks that more expensive models cannot. “The drone replicates all pilot actions and is highly forgiving of operator errors due to its carefully calculated aerodynamics. Its glide ratio is remarkable—one to ten. From an altitude of one kilometer, it can travel up to 10 kilometers with the engine off. This feature allows operators to complete missions and return safely without worrying about battery life,” Shemechko explained.

Staff Sergeant Ihor Kryvus from the 1020th Regiment's training division noted that the drones will be operated by servicemembers from a specialized unit. “We’ve established a unit that is already intercepting enemy UAVs. These drones will allow us to neutralize enemy models like Shahed, Orlan, Supercam, Zala, and even Lancets. In the future, we’ll conduct training sessions for operators to master these new types of UAVs,” Kryvus stated.

In addition to manufacturing and supplying UAVs, the partnership between Besomar and the Kozytskyi Foundation includes comprehensive training for anti-aircraft personnel at a dedicated training ground.