Ukraine has developed an interceptor drone to combat the Shahed

The Ukrainian defense-industrial complex has presented a new interceptor drone, which has already proven its effectiveness in destroying Russian Shahed drones. According to the developers, over the past two months the drone has successfully eliminated more than 20 targets, acting as an operational and cheap alternative to anti-aircraft missiles.

The new Ukrainian drone was officially presented during the visit of Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever to Kyiv. The video with the demonstration was released by President Volodymyr Zelensky. This is one of the examples of Ukraine’s expansion of cooperation with partners from Europe in the field of defense technologies.

The UAV is designed to intercept both the Shahed and smaller reconnaissance drones of the enemy. The maximum speed is 200 km/h, and the flight altitude is up to 5 km, which allows it to operate at altitudes where strike UAVs usually operate. Technical parameters remain classified for security reasons.

1. According to Ukrainian experts, the drone is one of the most effective in its class and is capable of effectively replacing expensive air defense systems when countering small-sized and low-speed air targets.
2. The intensity of the Shahed-136 drone raids from Russia has forced Ukraine to look for cheaper and more maneuverable solutions that would reduce the load on anti-aircraft missile systems. This is especially important during periods of massive attacks, when the Shaheds are launched in large groups.

The new Ukrainian development is not the only step towards autonomous counteraction. In November 2024, Ukraine signed a memorandum with the Belgian company Thales Belgium, which provides for the joint production of FZ275 LGR missiles – laser-guided munitions adapted to Ukrainian needs.

Ukraine continues to demonstrate significant achievements in the field of UAVs even during the active phase of the war. The new drone-interceptor is an example of effective, adaptive and more economical counteraction to threats that until now forced the use of expensive resources. It can already be considered one of the most successful methods of combating the “Shahed”, as well as an important step in creating an autonomous air defense system.