The Galka (Halka, VALK-1 Galka) is a fixed-wing tactical reconnaissance UAV by Warbirds of Ukraine, evolved from the Valkyrja/ASU-1 (VALK-1) platform combat-tested since 2015. The base model offers over 150 minutes endurance and up to 45 km range; the upgraded MK2 and MK3 add a visual-navigation module for autonomous GPS-denied flight, reaching ~3 hours endurance and up to 180 km range.
| Country | Ukraine |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | Fixed-wing reconnaissance UAS |
| Role | Aerial reconnaissance, fire adjustment, ISR |
| Class | Class I (Mini/Small tactical) |
| Classification | Tactical fixed-wing reconnaissance UAS |
| Mission | Reconnaissance, ISR/surveillance, Artillery fire adjustment, Aerial photography/mapping |
| Datalink | Secure control channel; telemetry/video link to ~45 km; can operate without GPS (MK2/MK3) |
| Variants | Galka; Galka MK2; Galka MK3 (predecessors: Valkyrja / ASU-1 / VALK-1) |
| MTOW (kg) | 3.5 |
| Operators | Armed Forces of Ukraine; National Guard of Ukraine |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Propulsion | Electric (pusher propeller) |
| Range (km) | 180 |
| Wingspan (m) | 1.6 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Export status | Domestic/Ukrainian military use |
| Launch method | Elastic/bungee catapult |
| Autonomy level | High (automatic takeoff/landing; autonomous GPS-denied flight on MK2/MK3 via visual navigation) |
| Endurance (min) | 180 |
| Recovery method | Automatic landing along predetermined route (autoland) |
| Year introduced | 2015 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 70 |
| Standard sensors | EO day camera, Gyro-stabilized camera (MK3), Visual-navigation module (MK2) |
| Production status | In production / serial |
| Combat radius (km) | 180 |
| Notable engagements | Combat-used since 2015; delivered to units such as the 14th Regiment and 79th Brigade |
| Conflicts deployed in | Russo-Ukrainian War (since 2015 as Valkyrja) |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Semi-autonomous (human-on-the-loop) |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – civil | Photography / film, Survey / mapping |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR, Target acquisition |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Electric (LiPo / Li-ion) |
| Range / endurance | Medium range (150–650 km) |
| Signature / detectability | GNSS-denied capable, RCS – small, RF-emitting, RF-silent – optical navigation |
| Speed regime | Medium (50–150 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class I – Mini (2–20 kg), FAA <25 kg (Part 107) |