The Ukrainian company IRV has unveiled a new ground robotic complex called "Karakurt", designed for the remote launch of multiple drones. This innovative system can host six drones simultaneously. The complex was first showcased at the IRON DEMO 2025 event attended by a media representative.
The platform is based on the tracked complex "Veprik". It features two launch rails, each accommodating three FPV drones. The primary goal of the complex is to launch drones from safe distances away from operators, allowing continuous monitoring of threatening directions and responding to threats.
Drones can be controlled via an integrated relay or an aerial station that can be launched from either the complex or ground positions. This provides operational ranges of up to 30 km. The complex itself can function at distances of up to 4 km from the communication station.
The "Karakurt" operates in modes allowing both single and simultaneous launches of two drones. In this mode, one controller manages two drones, enabling them to target a single objective. The second drone, maintaining a distance of 30-40 meters from the lead, automatically aims at the target of the first drone.
"There might be some discrepancies, but that’s actually beneficial for us. If the drones spread out 30 meters apart, they can strike different enemy units. This is especially effective against concentrations of enemy equipment or trains," explains Andriy Malyshov, the chief engineer at IRV.
In the future, the company plans to introduce swarm capabilities for its drones using artificial intelligence.
The "Karakurt" currently uses 13-inch drones. A solution has already been developed to launch not only kamikaze drones but also reusable bombers. However, they will still return to their positions for now. The landing system is still under development.
IRV is also working on integrating 15-inch drones to enhance the range and power of the system.
"Our record with the 42nd Brigade, carrying a payload of 2.6 kg, reached 32.5 km in one direction. Adding 4 km from the command center, we can strike targets over 34 km away. If we reduce the drone’s weight and enhance the relays, the complex could hit targets even up to 40 km," emphasizes the chief engineer.
When asked about protecting sensitive drone components from dust during movement, Malyshov noted that critical parts are coated with a special aerosol film. Additionally, during launch, the drone's propellers quickly disperse dust from the structure.
The cost of one "Karakurt" unit is around 2 million hryvnias. Half of this amount covers the aerial components—12 drones, relays, and software. The other half is allocated for the complex platform.
IRV states that they are in no rush to codify their solutions, as they work closely with military units and see a constant need to adapt frequencies and improve the product. Developers believe that codifying their approach would limit flexibility in future enhancements.
The exhibition also showcased several other military developments, including a universal auto-targeting module for FPV drones presented by the Ukrainian company Dwarf Engineering.
