Serbia Introduces "Senka" A Silent, Precision Electric VTOL Drone for Tactical Operations

At the Partner 2025 defense exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia unveiled the Senka, a new electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Designed for day/night reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision light-attack missions, Senka aims to enhance Serbia's domestic drone capabilities and offer export opportunities.

Key Features of the Senka Drone

• Design & Propulsion: Senka boasts a modular design with an electric propulsion system, ensuring low acoustic and thermal signatures. This design choice simplifies field maintenance and minimizes detection risks.

• Autonomy & Payload: Equipped with fully autonomous guidance, Senka can execute pre-planned missions. It carries two 60 mm guided glide kits, each approximately 3 kg, suitable for targeting light vehicles, crew-served weapons, or fixed positions.

• Performance Specifications:

  • Wingspan: 5 meters

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 40 kg

  • Useful Payload: 8 kg

  • Operating Altitude: 1,000 to 2,000 meters

  • Cruise Speed: 80–100 km/h

  • Endurance: Over 3 hours

  • Operational Radius: Over 50 km

These specifications position Senka as a light tactical-class platform, ideal for brigade or battalion-level operations.

Operational Advantages

• Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL): The VTOL capability allows Senka to operate from tight landing zones without the need for runways, making it highly versatile in contested environments.

• Low Signature Operations: The electric propulsion system not only reduces noise but also eliminates exhaust emissions, making Senka harder to detect by adversaries.

• Modular System: Senka's design includes a ground control station, weapons, transport fittings, and tools, providing a comprehensive solution for tactical units.

Strategic Implications for Serbia

The introduction of Senka underscores Serbia's commitment to developing a domestic drone ecosystem, reducing reliance on external suppliers, and enhancing its defense capabilities. By showcasing Senka at Partner 2025, Serbia aims to attract export partners and position itself as a competitive player in the global drone market.