Russian FPV Drone - Prince Vandal of Novgorod (KVN) - Ukraine war

About this deal

This is a used, recovered or captured example of the Prince Vandal of Novgorod (KVN) FPV drone, a Russian attack UAV that has attracted significant attention since its combat debut in the Ukraine war. Developed by the Ushkuynik Scientific and Production Center in Novgorod, the KVN made its combat debut in August 2024 and has been in accelerating production since the start of 2025. Unlike conventional FPV drones that rely on radio frequency communication, the Vandal uses a fibre-optic control cable, rendering its communication link virtually immune to electronic jamming. The fibre-optic cable spool allows for a stable connection and higher video quality of reportedly 50 frames per second. The KVN is a quadcopter with an electric propulsion system, and in its design, size, and weight it does not differ greatly from other modern FPV drones. In battlefield videos the Vandal is often seen loitering just 2 to 10 metres above terrain, and Russian forces have used it as a covert observation post in enemy territory. A long-range variant, the KVN-35, is reported to reach distances of up to 35 kilometres and carry a three-kilogram warhead. This item will appeal to collectors, researchers, and military historians with an interest in contemporary drone warfare and the rapid evolution of unmanned systems on the modern battlefield.