More Than Just Hardware: Behind the Scenes of Ukrainian UAS Manufacturing

What goes on behind the scenes of Ukrainian UAS development? At ANT, we combine engineering and military feedback throughout the development process. Developing a modern UAS is a continuous process of daily refinement and improvement.

Behind every Ukrainian UAV stands systematic engineering, a professional team, and dozens of tests. We take full ownership of software development, camera upgrades, and increasing flight altitude — while ensuring everything remains convenient and easy to use.

The MERCURY UAS production line operates at a stable pace. Our reconnaissance UAV is continuously improved by a team of engineers and software developers from multiple disciplines. We work closely with military experts, listen to frontline feedback, and respond to operational needs.

Who Designs, Develops, and Improves ANT’s UAS?

Since making its first engineering decision in 2014, the ANT team has remained focused on technologies that protect, strengthen, and save the lives of Ukrainian military personnel.

ANT Has Been Developing Reconnaissance Aircraft Since 2014

Since 2014, ANT has manufactured and delivered a significant number of custom-built Ukrainian drones, all of which are actively deployed and successfully carrying out combat missions.

We develop innovative reconnaissance and strike systems that help military personnel, emergency responders, and civilians obtain critical information, make informed decisions, and save lives.

Ukrainian MERCURY UAS: When Every Detail Matters

→ Development begins with defining the concept and architecture of the solution.
→ The solution is modeled in a 3D design environment.
→ We then design the avionics, PCBs, and wiring harnesses around this solution.
→ Software engineers then develop the software for this solution.
→ Only after development is complete does the design move into production.
→ A prototype is manufactured and subjected to extensive testing.
→ The results are analyzed, changes and improvements are implemented, and the next MERCURY UAS upgrade is introduced.

Why Do We Continuously Improve Our Reconnaissance Aircraft?

Performance targets are defined during the system architecture phase. Testing must confirm these objectives—or exceed them. If the expected performance is not achieved, the engineering team analyzes the results and develops a plan to reach the required standard.

After each update to the reconnaissance aircraft, we receive feedback from the military operators on what can be improved. ANT engineers conduct the first flights themselves, working alongside military units on the frontline to validate every performance parameter under real combat

ANT Cases

Engineering should simplify operators' work. That is why MERCURY incorporates innovative design solutions, including two communication links integrated directly into the wings, improving link quality while minimizing mutual interference.

The vertical stabilizers serve a dual purpose – as aerodynamic surfaces and communication modules. Thanks to this, MERCURY's antennas don't protrude from the airframe as they do on many other UAVs. Instead, they are sealed and protected.

UAV Improvements Driven by Military Feedback

◾️ Improved software: enhanced camera control and flight control programs.
◾️ Optimized firmware.
◾️ Increased flight time to 5 hours.

Once we receive feedback, we immediately launch the process and hand it off to the team. Some improvements can be implemented within a day; others take months, depending on the complexity of the solution.

Lessons Learned on the Battlefield

For pilot convenience, we updated the camera control software. Originally, camera operation relied solely on a joystick. ANT introduced full computer and keyboard controls, significantly simplifying reconnaissance operations. Now any pilot, even without joystick skills, can click the mouse and get to work right away.

Why Choose ANT Instead of Purchasing American or European UAVs?

We deliver greater value at a lower cost.

▣ ANT’s designs are engineered for real combat conditions.
▣ MERCURY is already performing reconnaissance missions on the front line and has proven its effectiveness.
▣ The VTOL design eliminates the need for constant repairs caused by failed landings after missions.
▣ We are based in Ukraine, providing service support and the fastest possible repairs after hard landings or breakdowns.
▣ We provide rapid UAV operator training directly from the manufacturer.
▣ In addition to test drives for potential clients, we conduct combat trials on request for military personnel stationed at the front line who are unable to travel to a testing ground.
▣ Our team is continuously engaged in R&D, working closely with military personnel who provide feedback that drives ongoing improvements to our systems.

Manufacturing in Ukraine Enables Rapid Response to Changing Frontline Needs

We not only maintain stable production of Ukrainian reconnaissance drones but also support mission execution, provide technical consultations, and carry out repairs.

When a camera-equipped reconnaissance UAV is damaged and requires repair, ANT technical support, which stays in constant contact with the operator, records the failure. The aircraft is then returned to our production facility, where engineers assess the damage and determine whether repair is economically justified.

Depending on the type of damage, repairs can take from several days to several weeks:

If the wings or vertical stabilizer are damaged during a hard landing, the repair takes 2–3 days.

If the drone crashes from a significant altitude and sustains extensive damage, a complete replacement of the fuselage and electronics is required. The system must then be fully inspected and flight-tested again, with the entire process taking approximately 2 weeks.

Researching the Challenges of Modern Warfare 24/7

We collaborate with experienced active-duty UAV operators and test groups to evaluate new features. It’s important to ANT’s engineers that all products and modifications remain up to date. Our research and development team stays in close contact with the military and tests products at training ranges and along the line of contact. We develop cutting-edge systems that protect Ukrainian military personnel while enabling effective operations against the enemy from safe stand-off distances.

A Story of Persistence and Continuous Improvement of Reconnaissance UAVs

ANT’s mission is to equip Ukraine's defenders with technologies that help them accomplish their missions and return home alive. For us, this is more than a business—it is our contribution to Ukraine's victory. We believe in the power of innovation and strive to ensure that every drone produced by ANT represents both technological excellence and unwavering support for those defending Ukraine.

Our focus remains on continuous innovation, constant product improvement, and developing solutions that strengthen military capability today while expanding future applications for emergency response, search and rescue, humanitarian operations, and civilian protection.

Unmanned systems provide a decisive advantage wherever human lives depend on technology—from combat operations to humanitarian missions, search-and-rescue efforts, and disaster response.