Top 10 Eye Opening Weapons Ukraine Has Unleashed From Garage Sheds (Video)

In a war where resources are limited and innovation is essential, Ukrainian defenders have demonstrated exceptional ingenuity in transforming ordinary items, outdated equipment and imported technology into battlefield game changers. From remote-controlled robots to air defence frankensteins, Ukraine’s improvised arsenal has stunned allies and shocked Russian invaders.

One of the most striking additions is the F2000 bullpup rifle, originally made in Belgium. Resembling something out of a sci-fi video game, this compact weapon, which loads behind the trigger, has been spotted in the hands of elite Ukrainian troops. Though rare, the futuristic rifle has proven highly effective in close urban combat.

Perhaps even more eye-catching are the modified commercial drones, converted in workshops and garages into deadly aerial bombers. Armed with thermite charges capable of burning at over 2,000°C, these DIY drones have been used to target Russian trenches, vehicles, and even ammunition depots. They are cheap to make, hard to stop, and devastating on the battlefield.

Another battlefield classic repurposed for the current war is the M2 Browning .50 calibre machine gun, originally developed during World War II. Ukrainian fighters have mounted these heavy guns onto the back of Toyota pickups, using them for ambushes and rapid-response attacks. Similarly, the Soviet-era DShK heavy machine gun, dating back to the 1930s, continues to see active use.

Ukraine’s ‘FrankenSAM’ air defence systems showcase how necessity leads to invention. Engineers have mixed American missile systems with outdated Soviet radar equipment, using ingenuity, software, and a touch of duct tape to bring down Russian drones and cruise missiles. These hybrids are especially valuable as Ukraine lacks enough Western-supplied Patriot missile systems.

Some of Ukraine’s more conventional but still exotic kit includes the Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, which combines speed, thick armour, and a 40 mm cannon. It provides protection and firepower for troops and has been hailed as a “luxury armoured taxi” by its operators. Meanwhile, the Skynex air defence system from Germany uses radar and rapid-firing 35 mm cannons to automatically shoot down low-flying targets. It is as advanced as it is lethal.

Ukraine’s creativity also shines through in the VAMPIRE system, a US-made anti-drone unit mounted on trucks. These systems use laser-guided rockets to precisely take down enemy drones from a distance — a critical need as Russia continues to flood Ukrainian skies with Iranian-made Shahed drones.

A Polish-designed RGP-40 grenade launcher, with its revolving cylinder and six-round capacity, has found new life in Ukraine’s infantry units. It allows for rapid, repeated fire during close-quarters combat.

Then there are the truly improvised vehicles, like the Peugeot 206 converted into a combat unit. Seen in Kharkiv, the civilian car had a weapon mounted and a Ukrainian flag flying proudly, demonstrating that even city cars can play a role on the battlefield.

Most futuristic, however, are Ukraine’s remote-controlled ground robots. Known as UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles), these small machines are often equipped with machine guns, explosives or rockets. Some look like toys, others like miniature tanks. Controlled from a distance, they scout enemy positions, deliver explosives, or engage targets — all while keeping Ukrainian soldiers out of direct harm.

One such robot, the D-21, has officially joined Ukraine’s armed forces. Operated remotely, it allows troops to remain in cover while firing on enemy positions. National Guard units have successfully used these machines in offensive operations, making them a glimpse into the future of warfare.

The list of unconventional weaponry deployed by Ukraine illustrates against a larger Russian army, Ukraine has relied on resourcefulness, courage, and a healthy dose of DIY spirit to protect its land and people.