Sweden Tests Russian-Style Drones with Ukrainian Trainers at New Karlsborg UAS Facility

KARLSBORG, Sweden – November 14, 2025: Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has purchased and tested two drones modeled on Russian systems and conducted trials with the support of Ukrainian troops at a newly established unmanned aerial systems (UAS) testing site in Karlsborg. The move aims to sharpen Sweden’s ability to counter evolving drone threats on the battlefield.

FMV officials said the systems, a one-way attack drone called MACE and the STORK LR reconnaissance drone, were selected to mirror capabilities widely used by Russia in Ukraine. Ukrainian personnel instructed Swedish teams in ground and limited maritime operations on Lake Vättern.

Key Developments

• FMV acquired two drones corresponding to Russian capabilities and tested them with Ukrainian trainers in Karlsborg.
• MACE is positioned as an analogue to Russia’s Lancet loitering munition; STORK LR aligns with features of the Orlan-10 and Supercam S350 ISR drones.
• Trials included ground operations and limited maritime scenarios on Lake Vättern.

Official Statements

“We have purchased two types of drones that correspond to Russian capabilities,” confirmed Anders Hedman, head of the FMV’s test and evaluation ground area.

“By purchasing copies of Russian systems, we can train against the threat we ourselves risk facing,” argued Michael Ledenius, head of the technical unit at FMV for testing and evaluating land systems.

MACE: Loitering Munition Modeled on Russia’s Lancet

FMV’s MACE is a one-way attack drone featuring a dual X-shaped wing, launched via a pneumatic catapult and powered by an electric motor. The UAS delivers up to 60 minutes of runtime, cruises at 100 km/h, and can reach a top speed of 300 km/h.

Comparative Role and Range

MACE is described as equivalent to Russia’s Lancet loitering munition, which is known for strikes behind the front line. Lancet systems have an approximate 35 km range and have been used in hybrid salvos alongside missiles and other drones against Ukrainian infrastructure.

Cost and Tactics

Analysis by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has observed that destroying a target may be achieved by launching two or three Lancet-3M drones from different axes. RUSI also estimates a single Lancet-3M at roughly $30,000, compared with an air-to-ground weapon such as the AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile, which can cost up to $319,000 per missile. While specific MACE pricing was not disclosed, the figures highlight the growing cost-efficiency of loitering munitions in modern warfare.

STORK LR: ISR Drone with Orlan-10-Like Capabilities

The second platform, the STORK LR reconnaissance drone, is an electric-powered, fixed-wing system used for terrain mapping and artillery adjustment. Its role and design echo Russia’s Orlan-10 and Supercam S350 ISR drones, which gather intelligence and direct fires across the frontline “kill zone.”

Adapting to Air Defense Pressures

Russian ISR operations have faced increased risk from Ukrainian short-range air defenses, prompting tactical adaptations. In August 2025, the Institute for the Study of War reported that Ukrainian forces shot down an Orlan drone that functioned as a “mothership” carrying two first-person-view UAS, enabling Russia to extend the reach of its drone strikes in the near rear.

Wider Battlefield Context

On the broader front, both sides continue to expand their use of drones for precision, attrition, and psychological effect. While Russia has deployed Lancet loitering munitions to offset slow territorial advances, Ukraine has mounted long-range drone attacks against Russian oil infrastructure, reportedly striking refineries in Ryazan, Saratov, Volgograd, and Tyumen, along with fuel depots, pumping stations, and logistics nodes.

Sweden’s decision to test systems emulating these platforms underscores a focus on training, threat replication, and readiness. The Karlsborg facility, situated on Lake Vättern, provides terrain and maritime environments for realistic UAS operations and countermeasures development.

Why It Matters

• Threat realism: Training with Russian-style drones helps Sweden prepare for likely adversary tactics and technologies.
• Interoperability: Collaboration with Ukrainian troops provides practical insights from current frontline operations.
• Cost-effective defense: Understanding loitering munitions’ price-performance informs procurement and doctrine.

Conclusion

FMV’s acquisition and testing of the MACE and STORK LR drones mark a deliberate effort to mirror and counter Russian drone capabilities. With Ukrainian trainers supporting trials at the Karlsborg UAS testing facility, Sweden is building proficiency in both strike and ISR drone operations. Further evaluations and integration into training curricula are expected as Stockholm refines its counter-UAS and precision-strike preparedness in line with evolving battlefield dynamics.