Finnish defense firm Summa Defence has delivered the first batch of its Zeus first-person view (FPV) drones to Ukraine, marking the operational debut of the system.
Industrial production readiness for the Zeus series was achieved in 2025 through a joint development program with a Ukrainian partner, aimed at fielding a combat-proven FPV platform for the European defense and security market. The drones are manufactured and tested in Finland, offered in three size classes, and are primarily categorized as dual-use systems.
The Zeus family consists of tactical-level FPV drones with varying ranges, payload capacities, and control options. Depending on mission requirements, the systems can be configured for either radio-frequency or fiber-optic control. The 11-inch Zeus variant employs fiber-optic guidance, with its effective range determined by the length of the fiber spool. In this configuration, it carries a payload of around 3 kg and cruises at approximately 54 km/h.
When configured for radio control, the 11-inch Zeus supports payloads of up to 5 kg, operates at ranges exceeding 20 km, and reaches speeds of roughly 101 km/h, enabling extended-range missions requiring reliable connectivity.
The 13-inch Zeus follows the same modular design philosophy but is optimized for heavier payloads. Available in both radio and fiber-optic variants, it has a maximum takeoff weight of about 7 kg and a typical cruising speed of 72 km/h, with payload capacities of 3 kg (fiber-optic) or 4 kg (radio-controlled).
At the lower end of the lineup, the 2.5-inch Zeus microdrone is intended for short-range reconnaissance. Weighing approximately 225 grams, it can carry a 300-gram payload, with an endurance of 8–10 minutes and an operational range of up to 2 km.
