Bloomberg: Ukraine Launches Hunter Drones During Massive Russian Federation Attacks

The new interceptors are using unexpected strategies.

Ukraine is actively developing a new generation of interceptor drones capable of detecting and shooting down other drones. This is in response to a rise in Russian UAV attacks, particularly by Iranian Shaheds, which are increasingly bombarding Ukrainian cities far from the frontline, writes Bloomberg.

A recent exchange of strikes between the sides confirmed the scale of the escalation, with Ukrainian drones damaging several strategic airbases in Russian territory, including facilities in Eastern Siberia. Russia responded with one of the largest combined drone and missile attacks on Kiev in recent times.

Ukraine is responding not only with counterstrikes, but also with technology. "We now have airplanes to shoot down drones," said President Vladimir Zelensky. "We are also moving toward the use of interceptor drones."

Alexander Kamyshyn, an adviser to the minister of strategic industries, confirmed the ramping up of production of special drones capable of shooting down Shahed near Kiev. He said three Ukrainian companies are now producing such "birds" costing about $5,000, with some models costing as little as $300.

The new interceptors use a variety of strategies, from near-target detonation to direct engagement. Latvia's Origin Robotics is already sending its drones to Ukraine, which detonate near enemy UAVs. Origin CEO Agris Kipurs explained:

"As soon as the warhead gets close enough to the target, it detonates and the target is hit by shrapnel."

The key element of this war

The problem is that increasing attacks from Russia are depleting Ukrainian air defenses. Since February, when U.S. President Donald Trump called for a cessation of hostilities, drone attacks have increased and civilian casualties have risen even more.

FPV drones have become a key tool of this war. They have already changed tactics on the battlefield, forcing Ukrainian and Russian soldiers to stay away from vehicles and avoid clusters. Now they are being used to fight other UAVs as well.

Skyfall, one of the largest drone manufacturers in Ukraine, is adapting their FPV to fight aerial targets. Their Shrike drone, priced between $300 and $500, can target reconnaissance and attack drones, although it doesn't reach the flight altitude of Shahed.

"We are focused on intercepting kamikaze drones and bomber drones," explained Carl Larson, head of Defense Tech for Ukraine. He emphasizes: Ukraine needs "inexpensive and scalable solutions" rather than "fancy and expensive systems" made in the West.

Today, according to experts, interceptor drones cannot yet fully replace air defense, but it is a step toward reducing dependence on expensive systems like Patriot. The alternative is low-tech means such as machine guns on pickup trucks or limited use of F-16s.

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