Czech STV Group unveils China-free FPV drone with 6 kg payload

Czech defense manufacturer STV Group has introduced the FPV-NG, a new tactical unmanned aircraft designed without Chinese components, as European defense companies increasingly seek to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical drone technologies.

The system was presented at Future Forces Forum 2026 in Prague on October 22, expanding STV Group's unmanned systems portfolio with a platform intended for strike missions, reconnaissance, communications relay and electronic warfare.

According to technical specifications reported following the exhibition, the FPV-NG is available in 10- to 13-inch configurations, weighs approximately 2.5 kg and can carry payloads of up to 6 kg. Its advertised maximum speed is 150 km/h, with a stated flight endurance of at least 30 minutes when carrying a 2 kg payload.

Five Mission Configurations for Military Operators

STV Group has positioned the FPV-NG as a modular platform capable of performing five mission types: strike operations, reconnaissance, communications relay, electronic warfare and combined missions.

The design is intended to accommodate different equipment configurations while supporting autonomous functions and resistance to electronic interference.

These characteristics are particularly relevant to European armed forces seeking tactical unmanned systems that can operate in contested electromagnetic environments.

However, several important performance parameters remain undisclosed, including the aircraft's operational range, endurance at maximum payload, communications specifications and independently verified resistance to electronic warfare.

The advertised performance figures should therefore be regarded as manufacturer specifications rather than independently established operational capabilities.

Reducing European Dependence on Chinese Components

One of the FPV-NG's most significant features is STV Group's stated decision to exclude Chinese components from its design.

European drone manufacturers continue to face supply chain vulnerabilities involving motors, electronic speed controllers, batteries, sensors and other essential components.

For defense customers, sourcing alternatives from European and allied suppliers can reduce exposure to export restrictions and geopolitical disruptions. However, independently verifying component origin throughout the manufacturing chain remains an important consideration.

A similar strategy is being pursued by Croatian manufacturer Orqa, which has developed a distributed production model for unmanned aircraft based on non-Chinese supply chains.

As AdriaDefense previously reported, Orqa has been expanding its manufacturing network across allied markets while developing production capabilities in Croatia.

STV Group Expands Beyond Traditional Ammunition Production

The introduction of FPV-NG reflects STV Group's expansion into unmanned systems alongside its established activities in ammunition manufacturing and military equipment.

The Czech company has previously introduced the Skevin and Skevin+ drone families, including radio-controlled and fiber-optic configurations. The FPV-NG broadens the product portfolio toward additional mission requirements.

Czech defense manufacturers have also been increasing their presence in unmanned technologies, with companies developing reconnaissance aircraft, autonomous navigation, counter-drone interceptors and specialized military components.

AdriaDefense recently examined this industrial ecosystem in its overview of seven Czech defense technology startups and scaleups.

For STV Group, the next milestones will be demonstrating production readiness, confirming military customers and establishing whether its non-Chinese supply chain can support competitive pricing and large-scale manufacturing.

The company has not publicly confirmed a unit price, production volume or military procurement contract specifically for the FPV-NG.