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What goes on behind the scenes of Ukrainian UAV development? At ANT, we combine engineering with the military’s requirements throughout the development process. Creating a modern UAV is a continuous, daily process of refinement.
Behind every Ukrainian UAV lies systematic engineering work, a professional team, and dozens of tests. We take responsibility for the software, camera upgrades, and increasing flight altitude—and everything must be convenient and easy to use.
Production of the MERCURY UAV is running smoothly: a large team of engineers and programmers from various disciplines is refining this Ukrainian reconnaissance UAV. We work closely with military experts, listen to feedback from the front lines, and respond to their needs.
Who is responsible for the development, creation, and refinement of the UAV?
Since the initial decision in 2014, the ANT engineering team has consistently worked to apply technology that can protect, strengthen, and save the Ukrainian military.
The ANT team has been building reconnaissance drones since 2014
To date, ANT, a manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles, has custom-built and delivered a large number of Ukrainian drones, which are successfully operating and carrying out combat missions.
We develop innovative reconnaissance and strike systems that help the military, rescue workers, and civilians obtain critical information, make accurate decisions, and save lives.
The Ukrainian MERCURY UAV—where every detail matters
→ First, engineers develop the concept and architecture of the solution.
→ We model the solution in a 3D program.
→ Then we design the avionics, circuit boards, and wiring for this solution.
→ Programmers develop the software for this solution.
→ Only then is the model handed over to the production team.
→ We build a prototype and conduct tests.
→ We analyze the results, make changes and improvements, and announce upgrades to the MERCURY UAV.
Why do we constantly improve the reconnaissance aircraft?
Even at the architectural design stage, we set performance metrics that must be met or exceeded during testing. If we don’t meet the target, we draw conclusions and develop a plan to achieve it.
After each update to the reconnaissance aircraft is implemented, we receive feedback from the military on what can be improved. We conduct the first test flights of the updated UAV ourselves: the ANT team travels to the front lines with the military and verifies all performance metrics in the field.
ANT Cases
Engineering solutions are meant to make the military’s job easier, which is why we’re creating innovations for MERCURY: we’ve installed two communication channels in the wings, improved communication quality, and minimized interference between them.
ANT’s UAV keels serve as both keels and communication modules. Thanks to this, the antennas on MERCURY do not protrude from the aircraft, as they do on models from other manufacturers; they are sealed and secure.
We made these UAV improvements through collaboration with the military
◾️ We improved the software: the camera control program and the aircraft control program.
◾️ We optimized the firmware.
◾️ We increased flight time to 5 hours.
When we received feedback, we immediately initiated the process and passed it on to the team. Some improvements can be implemented in a day, others in months, depending on the complexity of the solution.
What weaknesses did you identify on the battlefield, and what changes did you make?
To make things easier for UAV pilots, we updated the camera control software. There was already a joystick control option, but we added the ability to control it via a computer and keyboard, which made reconnaissance much easier. Any pilot, even without joystick skills, can click the mouse and get to work right away.
What are the main advantages—in terms of time and cost savings—of partnering with ANT instead of purchasing U.S. and European UAVs?
We deliver greater value at a lower cost.
▣ ANT’s designs are tailored to real combat conditions.
▣ Mercury is already performing reconnaissance missions on the front lines and has proven its effectiveness.
▣ The VTOL design eliminates the need for constant repairs due to failed UAV landings after operations.
▣ We are based in Ukraine and provide maintenance services and the fastest possible repairs after a hard landing or breakdown.
▣ We conduct hands-on training for UAV operators directly from the manufacturer.
▣ In addition to test flights for potential customers, we conduct combat trials upon request from military personnel stationed in the line of contact who are unable to travel to a testing range.
▣ Our team is constantly engaged in R&D; we work in collaboration with military personnel who provide feedback, allowing us to refine our designs.
Having both repair and production facilities in Ukraine enables us to respond quickly to changing needs on the front lines.
Not only have we established stable production of Ukrainian reconnaissance drones, but we also help carry out missions, provide consulting, and offer repair services.
When a camera drone crashes and needs repair, our technical support team—which is always in contact with the pilot—documents the damage. The reconnaissance drone is sent to our production facility, where we assess the damage and determine whether it makes sense to repair it.
Depending on the nature of the damage, repairs take anywhere from a few days to several weeks:
If the wings or tail were damaged during a hard landing, repairs take 2–3 days.
If the drone fell from a great height and is almost completely destroyed, requiring a complete replacement of the fuselage and electronics, as well as a full inspection and retesting, the process takes 2 weeks.
We’re researching the challenges of war 24/7
We collaborate with experienced active-duty pilots and test groups to evaluate new features. It’s important to ANT’s engineers that all products and modifications remain up to date. Our team of researchers and developers stays in close contact with the military and tests products at training grounds and live-fire ranges. We create cutting-edge tools to save the lives of our soldiers and effectively engage the enemy from a safe distance.
A story of perseverance and continuous improvement in reconnaissance UAVs
The ANT team’s goal is to provide Ukraine’s defenders with technologies that help them win and return home alive. For us, this is more than just a business—it’s a contribution to victory. We believe in the power of innovation and strive to ensure that every ANT-manufactured drone serves as a symbol of Ukraine’s defense and support for its defenders.
We remain committed to innovation, continuous product improvement, and the development of solutions that already empower the military today and will eventually assist rescue workers and civilians in critical situations as well.
Unmanned systems provide an advantage wherever human lives depend on technology—from combat operations to humanitarian missions, search-and-rescue operations, and disaster relief.
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