Ukrainian defense firm Altair Technologies has presented its THOR OPERATOR “mothership” drone at the MSPO international defense exhibition in Poland. The drone is designed to support FPV drones and carry out reconnaissance missions, showcasing Ukraine’s growing capabilities in unmanned systems.
According to Militarniy correspondents at the exhibition, the THOR OPERATOR comes in two versions. The electric motor variant can carry up to 6 kilograms of payload over distances of 170 kilometers and operate for 60 minutes with a takeoff weight of 17.5 kilograms. A version with an internal combustion engine offers significantly longer range—up to 400 kilometers—can carry 8 kilograms, and has a flight autonomy of four hours, with a maximum takeoff weight of 28 kilograms.
Both models feature two suspension points for drones or munitions. While the drone is of Ukrainian origin, most components are imported, with only a few domestic parts in the design. Its modular construction allows internal systems to be replaced depending on customer needs.
In combat, the THOR OPERATOR has already been used to deploy FPV drones and VOG munitions. Although it has not yet engaged Shahed-type drones, a special underwing interceptor is available for this purpose. The drone is effective against standard drones but cannot pursue high-speed jet targets.
The THOR OPERATOR supports automatic, semi-automatic, and manual control modes. If connection to the operator is lost, it switches to autonomous flight and returns to base. Its composite body, produced through a matrix process, provides both lightness and high durability.
U.S. military officials have expressed interest in the platform, particularly given the current lack of effective countermeasures against Shahed-like drones.
Photos by Militarniy
