Don’t Expect Israel’s FireFly Drone in Ukraine

Israeli-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, well known for designing Israel’s Iron Dome, has entered the emerging loitering munitions market with their FireFly device. Developed in collaboration with the Israel Ministry of Defense, the FireFly is a miniature “kamikaze drone.” Emphasis on miniature. The FireFly is just 16 inches tall, weighs less than five pounds, and carries a 350-gram warhead. Cylindrically shaped, the FireFly is transported in a small tube, and fits neatly into the pack of an infantryman. The drone takes off vertically, using coaxial rotors. 

The FireFly, built for urban warfare, is especially apt for roosting out entrenched enemy forces – like snipers, RPGs, or IED triggermen – while keeping infantrymen removed from direct lines of fire. The FireFly’s operator controls the FireFly from a small, handheld tablet. With its onboard camera, the FireFly transmits surveillance footage back to the operator, who may select a target at will, and deploy…