Cheap Ukrainian interceptor drones are rewriting the rules of war – Business Insider
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian interceptors are becoming the main weapon against Russian drones (GettyImages)
Ukrainian engineers have created cheap interceptor drones that are already shooting down hundreds of Russian Shahed drones. This technology is changing ideas about air warfare and is becoming a key element of Ukraine's defense, reports Business Insider.
About a year after the start of the full-scale war with Russia, a Ukrainian drone instructor presented an idea that the military at first considered unrealistic — using quadcopters to intercept the enemy's reconnaissance drones.
Soldiers then doubted the possibility of maneuvering a small drone to hit a fast target, joking that the project initiator had watched too much Star Wars.
However, the idea became reality: what once seemed like science fiction is now an important element of Ukrainian defense.
As Business Insider reports, Ukraine is increasingly using cheap interceptor drones to destroy Russian attack drones. During one recent mass strike, they shot down more than 150 drones.
Ukraine is now seeking to establish production of up to 1,000 such interceptors per day.
This technology matters not only for Ukraine — it shows how, in the future, mass drone attacks can be effectively countered with inexpensive solutions.
NATO is taking notice of Ukraine's developments
NATO is paying attention to Ukrainian developments. According to Admiral Pierre Vandier, the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, strike-to-destroy type interceptor drones are among the most promising means of defense against Russian attacks.
Business Insider notes that the journalists spoke with Ukrainian engineers, pilots, and manufacturers who described how a technology that began as an experiment turned into a top defense priority.
"As the number of aerial drone threats grew, so did the pressure on the defenders on both sides to use counters that are relatively cheap and simple," explained Sam Bendett, an advisor to the Russia studies program at the US Center for Naval Analyses.
According to him, both Ukraine and Russia now actively use various types of interceptor drones.
Interceptor drones in Ukraine
Ukraine already has interceptor drones that can counter Russian Shaheds with jet engines.
Moreover, this fall, Britain will sign an agreement with Ukraine on joint development and production of advanced military equipment.
The agreement provides for technology exchange, which will create jobs in Britain and strengthen the national security of both countries.
Ukraine is currently working on countering Russian guided aerial bombs as several companies are developing special interceptor drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy named the main problem of the Shahed interceptors.
