Finnish company Summa Defence has delivered the first batch of Zeus first-person view (FPV) drones to Ukraine.
Industrial production readiness for the Zeus models was achieved in 2025 through a program developed in cooperation with a Ukrainian partner, aimed at producing a field-tested system for the European defense and security sector.
The FPV systems are manufactured and tested in Finland, available in three sizes, and primarily classified as dual-use systems.
“The feedback from the Ukrainian Army has been positive. The performance and functionality have been verified in combat conditions, and the project, which has started well, will be continued with increasing volumes in 2026,” stated Jussi Holopainen, Director of Summa Defence.
Zeus FPV Drone Systems
The Zeus series comprises tactical-level drones that vary in size, range, and payload capacity and can be configured for either radio or fiber-optic control, depending on mission requirements.
The 11-inch (27.9-centimeter) Zeus variant uses a fiber-optic control system, with its operational range determined by the length of the fiber coil.
In this configuration, it carries a payload of approximately 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) and cruises at around 54 kilometers (34 miles) per hour.
In its radio-controlled configuration, the 11-inch Zeus supports a payload of up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) and operates at ranges exceeding 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).
Maximum speed reaches approximately 101 kilometers (63 miles) per hour, supporting extended-range missions that require stable connectivity and efficient flight performance.
The 13-inch (33-centimeter) Zeus follows the same design approach but is intended for heavier payloads.
Available with both radio and fiber-optic control, the platform has a maximum takeoff weight of around 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds) and a typical operating speed of 72 kilometers (45 miles) per hour.
In the fiber-optic configuration, it carries a payload of roughly 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds), while the radio-controlled version increases payload capacity to approximately 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds).
At the smaller end of the series, the 2.5-inch (6.4-centimeter) Zeus is a compact FPV microdrone primarily intended for short-range reconnaissance.
The system weighs about 225 grams (0.5 pounds) and can carry a payload of up to 300 grams (0.6 pounds).
Flight endurance ranges from 8 to 10 minutes at moderate speeds, with an operational range of approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles).
