UKRSPECSYSTEMS Shark-M

History

The UKRSPECSYSTEMS Shark-M is a Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle developed for long-range reconnaissance and surveillance. It can also function as a communications relay for strike drones.

The Shark-M retains the 3.4 m wingspan of the earlier Shark-D while extending communications range to up to 180 km and endurance to as much as seven hours. Its maximum stated mission range is up to 420 km.

During 2025 and 2026, UKRSPECSYSTEMS introduced new electro-optical equipment, navigation functions and counter-interceptor features for the platform. Shark-M aircraft were also transferred to Ukrainian Defence Intelligence and Security Service units in 2026.

Development

UKRSPECSYSTEMS publicly unveiled the Shark-M in early 2025. According to The Defense Post, the aircraft was presented as an improved reconnaissance UAV with greater communications range and battery capacity than earlier models. The design retained a wingspan of 3.4 m while increasing endurance to up to seven hours.

In September 2025, UKRSPECSYSTEMS introduced a new gyro-stabilized electro-optical station for the Shark-M. The installation combined daytime and thermal cameras and added a laser rangefinder. According to UNITED24 Media, the 1.1 kg station was adapted from equipment used on the larger PD-2 UAV. The revised optical stations were also designed to be replaceable by crews in the field without returning the aircraft to a service center for calibration.

UKRSPECSYSTEMS demonstrated another upgraded Shark-M configuration in July 2026. Militarnyi reported that the aircraft received algorithms for launching without reliance on GNSS signals. During the initial phase of flight, navigation can use onboard sensors before transitioning to optical navigation or satellite-based navigation when available.

The 2026 configuration also incorporated the Ukhyliant sensor system for evasive maneuvers against interceptor drones. Its optical navigation system can compare imagery from an onboard camera with satellite imagery to determine the aircraft's position. Four selectable image-processing modes were also introduced for different operating environments.

Design

The Shark-M is a compact fixed-wing electric UAV intended for reconnaissance missions at extended distances from its ground crew. It measures 1.65 m in length, 0.3 m in height and has a wingspan of 3.4 m. Maximum takeoff weight is stated as up to 14.5 kg.

The aircraft uses a catapult launch system, allowing operation without a conventional runway. A parachute recovery system is used for landing. In the 2026 configuration, the Bungee SCL-2 automated launcher accelerates the UAV to a launch speed of 25 m/s.

Reconnaissance equipment

The Shark-M uses gyro-stabilized electro-optical payloads for day and night reconnaissance. The upgraded system is stated to detect targets at distances of up to 35 km during daylight and up to 14 km at night. The camera installation provides continuous 360-degree rotation.

A 2025 upgrade combined daytime and thermal cameras with a laser rangefinder. The thermal channel omitted optical zoom to reduce weight and size. The source describing Ukrainian deliveries in 2026 also states that the Shark-M can be equipped with optics providing 30-times zoom.

Communications and navigation

The Shark-M has a stated communications range of up to 180 km. The aircraft can also be used as a communications repeater for other unmanned aircraft. Equipment introduced for the type included a revised radio modem, an upgraded ground control station and an extension system that can position the antenna farther from the operating crew.

The upgraded 2026 navigation architecture supports launch in an environment where satellite navigation is unavailable or denied. Onboard sensors are used during the initial phase, while optical navigation can compare live imagery against satellite imagery for positioning.

Operational history

The Shark family has been used by Ukrainian forces during the Russia-Ukraine war. Army Technology identifies the Shark-M as the military version of the Shark system and reports it as being in Ukrainian service.

In July 2026, the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation transferred 11 Shark-M reconnaissance UAVs and one launch catapult to units of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine. The transfer formed part of a larger package of reconnaissance and strike systems valued at more than 85.5 million Ukrainian hryvnias.

Operators

• Ukraine: Shark-M UAVs are used by Ukrainian forces. Confirmed recipients include units of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence and the Security Service of Ukraine.

Specifications (Shark-M)

General characteristics

• Length: 1.65 m
• Height: 0.3 m
• Wingspan: 3.4 m
• Maximum takeoff weight: up to 14.5 kg
• Launch method: catapult
• Recovery method: parachute

Performance

• Endurance: up to 7 hours
• Maximum speed: 130 km/h
• Service ceiling: up to 3,000 m
• Maximum mission range: up to 420 km
• Communications range: up to 180 km

Reconnaissance equipment

• Daytime target detection range: up to 35 km
• Night target detection range: up to 14 km
• Camera rotation: continuous 360 degrees
• Optical equipment: gyro-stabilized electro-optical payload; configurations include daytime and thermal cameras, laser rangefinder and optics described with 30-times zoom