At IDET 2025 in Brno, the MTS kamikaze drone was presented as a remarkable system – autonomous, modular and already in use in Ukraine. Developed by LPP Holding, the system is geared towards the reality of modern battlefields: electronic interference zones, GPS failures, delayed communication.
Militär Aktuell spoke to Martina Tauberova, Head of External Relations at the start-up and former Deputy Minister of Trade in the Czech Republic, about the development, deployment and lessons learned from the Ukrainian frontline operation (-> current news from the war in Ukraine).
Ms. Tauberova, what exactly is so special about the MTS drone?
MTS is an autonomously operating loitering system that does not require a real-time connection or GPS navigation. Target selection, flight route and timing are programmed in advance using special ground control software. The drone then adapts its flight independently to the terrain, interference signals and threats.
How modular is the system?
We offer three size classes – each with a different drive and purpose: The MTS-5E is electrically powered, weighs 5.5 kilograms and is ideal for short front-line operations. The MTS-25C with combustion engine already weighs 25 kilograms and carries up to 6 kilograms of explosives, while the MTS-40C is our most powerful model with a total weight of 40 kilograms, a payload of 12 kilograms and a top speed of up to 230 km/h. We are also developing a variant with a jet engine that will reach speeds of up to 450 km/h.
All one-way drones?
Yes, MTS is designed as a disposable weapon. The drones are deployed from portable launch pads and can be equipped with various warheads – including HEAT, fragmentation or thermobaric.
What ranges are possible?
The small model flies for around 40 minutes, ideal for tactical close-range targets. The larger versions achieve a range of 800 to 1,000 kilometers and can stay in the air for up to eight hours – depending on the weather and mission.
And all this without GPS?
Exactly. We combine inertial navigation, optical sensor technology and TV-based image analysis. This makes the systems resistant to GPS interference or spoofing. The drones remain functional even in heavily disturbed environments.
So that makes them ideal for deep attacks into the enemy’s hinterland, right?
Absolutely. MTS can attack targets such as airfields, logistics centers or ammunition depots at depth – with very high precision. Ukraine uses them accordingly.
So the MTS is already in use?
Yes, we delivered several hundred units to Ukraine – developed, tested and ready for series production in just twelve months. And we deliberately didn’t do any marketing for a long time – we wanted to deliver first and then talk.
How is the feedback?
Very positive. The Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries thanked us personally. We were told that the system works excellently.
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