Belarus Debuts Sky-Truck Unmanned Helicopter at MILEX-2025

Belarus Unveils the Sky-Truck Unmanned Helicopter at MILEX-2025

At the 2025 edition of the MILEX International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment, the Belarusian defense industry took a significant step forward by unveiling the Sky-Truck unmanned helicopter. Developed by KB Unmanned Helicopters, this medium-lift UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) marks Belarus’s entry into the growing market of unmanned cargo transport systems. The platform was presented publicly for the first time, signaling a broader shift toward autonomous logistics in modern military operations.

The Sky-Truck is designed primarily for logistical support, capable of transporting up to 500 kilograms of payload. With its coaxial rotor architecture and compact footprint, it is built to operate in austere environments, including unprepared landing zones. The unveiling reflects Belarus’s ambitions to enhance domestic defense capabilities while also positioning itself as a player in the global UAV market.

This development aligns with international trends where militaries are increasingly investing in unmanned systems to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce personnel risk. The Sky-Truck may serve both national defense needs and potential export opportunities, especially in regions where terrain and operational conditions challenge conventional logistics.

Technical Specifications and Design Philosophy

Design and Architecture

The Sky-Truck features a coaxial rotor system with two three-blade counter-rotating rotors, each with a diameter of 12.8 meters. This design choice minimizes the aircraft’s footprint on the ground, allowing it to operate from a 30 x 30 meter unprepared landing zone. The tail boom is equipped with a downward-angled vertical stabilizer to ensure longitudinal stability during flight.

To maintain balance and avoid center-of-gravity issues, the rotors are positioned above the payload bay. The helicopter’s airframe measures 7.7 meters in length (excluding rotors), stands 4 meters tall, and has a landing gear track of 2.6 meters. This compact yet robust configuration is optimized for tactical field operations.

Powering the Sky-Truck is a Rolls-Royce 250-C30 turboshaft gas turbine engine, which runs on aviation kerosene. The engine has a designated service life of 3,000 hours. The helicopter’s dry mass is 1,100 kg, with an additional 375 kg allocated for 500 liters of fuel, bringing the total normal take-off mass to 1,700 kg. The maximum take-off mass is 2,000 kg.

“The Sky-Truck reflects a strategic shift towards autonomous logistics in Belarusian defense doctrine. Medium-lift unmanned helicopters can significantly enhance supply chain resilience in contested environments,” Dr. Elena Kovalenko, Institute of Military Technology, Minsk

Performance and Capabilities

The Sky-Truck offers a maximum speed of 140 km/h, with a cruising speed of 120 km/h. For extended missions, an economical speed of 80 km/h allows for a maximum flight endurance of up to 5 hours. The operational range is approximately 360 km, making it suitable for medium-range logistics missions in both civilian and military contexts.

The UAV is equipped with two Airbox transport containers, enabling modular and compartmentalized cargo delivery. This feature adds flexibility for transporting various types of supplies, from medical kits to ammunition and rations. The platform supports autonomous flight with GPS navigation and is expected to include basic obstacle avoidance systems.

The airframe’s designated service life is 6,000 hours, underscoring its durability and long-term operational potential. While the exact unit cost has not been disclosed, comparable platforms globally range from $500,000 to $2 million, depending on configuration and payload capacity.

Comparative Context and Partnerships

Observers noted that the Sky-Truck bears resemblance to the Air Truck unmanned helicopter presented by ADASI, a subsidiary of the UAE’s EDGE Group, at IDEX 2023 and UMEX 2024. Both platforms share a 500 kg payload capacity and similar design features, which is unsurprising given the collaboration between KB Unmanned Helicopters and EDGE.

This partnership reflects a growing trend in international defense collaboration, where smaller nations leverage strategic alliances to accelerate innovation and market entry. According to representatives at MILEX-2025, a preliminary order for 20 Sky-Truck units has already been received from an undisclosed customer, indicating early commercial interest.

Such cooperation not only enhances Belarus’s technological capabilities but also opens avenues for joint ventures and co-production agreements, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where EDGE has a growing footprint.

Strategic Implications and Market Trends

Global Shift Toward Unmanned Logistics

Globally, militaries are increasingly adopting unmanned logistics platforms to reduce human exposure in combat zones and streamline supply chains. The United States, China, and Israel are among the countries actively developing or deploying unmanned cargo helicopters and VTOL drones for battlefield resupply.

These systems are particularly useful in environments where traditional ground convoys are vulnerable to ambushes or IEDs. By enabling autonomous resupply, they enhance operational tempo and reduce logistical bottlenecks, especially in remote or contested areas.

The Sky-Truck fits neatly into this paradigm. Its medium-lift capacity and modular design make it a practical solution for tactical logistics, humanitarian missions, and even disaster response in civilian applications.

Expert Perspectives

John Miller, a UAV industry expert from Defense Aerospace Insights, remarked, “While many countries focus on reconnaissance and strike UAVs, cargo drones like the Sky-Truck represent an important, often overlooked niche that can improve battlefield sustainability.”

Colonel (ret.) Sergei Ivanov of the Russian Defense Review emphasized the operational value: “The ability to deliver supplies autonomously to frontline units reduces exposure to enemy fire and allows for more agile operations.”

These expert opinions underscore the strategic value of unmanned cargo helicopters not just as auxiliary tools, but as core components in modern military logistics frameworks.

Belarus’s Defense Industry Ambitions

The unveiling of the Sky-Truck is consistent with Belarus’s broader objectives to modernize its defense sector and expand its export portfolio. By developing indigenous UAV platforms, Belarus aims to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and position itself as a competitive player in the global defense market.

Participation in exhibitions such as MILEX allows Belarusian firms to showcase their capabilities to international buyers and foster bilateral defense cooperation. The Sky-Truck, as a flagship product, may serve as a test case for future UAV developments and international partnerships.

Given the geopolitical landscape and increasing demand for autonomous systems, Belarus’s investment in UAV technology could yield both strategic and economic dividends in the coming years.

Conclusion

The Sky-Truck unmanned helicopter represents a significant milestone for Belarus’s defense industry. As a medium-lift UAV tailored for logistical missions, it addresses a growing need for autonomous supply chain solutions in military operations. Its design, performance, and early commercial interest suggest that it could become a notable player in the evolving landscape of unmanned systems.

Looking ahead, the Sky-Truck may pave the way for more advanced UAV platforms from Belarus, particularly in collaboration with international partners like EDGE. As militaries worldwide continue to embrace unmanned logistics, platforms like the Sky-Truck are likely to play a central role in shaping the future of battlefield mobility and sustainability.

FAQ

What is the payload capacity of the Sky-Truck?
The Sky-Truck can carry up to 500 kg of payload, including containers and fuel.

What engine powers the Sky-Truck?
It is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C30 turboshaft gas turbine engine running on aviation kerosene.

What is the maximum range and flight time?
The Sky-Truck has a maximum range of 360 km and a flight endurance of up to 5 hours at economical speed.

Is the Sky-Truck available for export?
Yes, a preliminary order for 20 units has been received from an unnamed customer, indicating export potential.

How does the Sky-Truck compare to similar platforms?
It is comparable to the Air Truck by ADASI in terms of payload and design, reflecting their collaborative development efforts.

Sources:
EDR Magazine,
MILEX Official Website,
Jane’s Defence Weekly,
Defense Aerospace Insights