Ukraine develops net-launcher with radar to hunt down enemy drones
Photo: AirNet system for hunting drones (Military)
In Ukraine, the company AirNet has developed an automatic net-launcher with a radar system that can be mounted on drones and allows the capture of enemy unmanned aerial vehicles. The system is very simple and operates in automatic mode, Militarnyi reports.
AirNet's radar-equipped net launcher was publicly demonstrated for the first time during the Brave1 Components exhibition. The system weighs only 780 grams, has a modular design, and can be installed on any platform. It can be activated and controlled through the controller of the drone on which it is mounted.
The AirNet system operates on a plug-and-play principle: the operator only needs to connect the power supply and ascend to an altitude of more than five meters. After that, the search radar automatically activates, allowing the detection of moving airborne objects in three-dimensional space—distance, azimuth, and flight altitude.
As soon as the drone approaches an enemy UAV at a distance of at least six meters, the AirNet system identifies the target, analyzes the information, and sends a command to ignite the pyrotechnic cartridge. At that moment, the net capable of flying up to 10 meters is fired. It envelops the enemy drone and stops its movement.
"The operator does not need to calculate the timing - the system handles it autonomously," a company representative told the outlet.
The UAV caught by the net remains attached to the drone. This allows the operator to tow the captured drone to a safe location. The towing line can easily withstand loads of up to 20 kilograms.
If the captured drone poses a potential threat or weighs more than 20 kilograms, the operator can remotely activate the release mechanism. The net will detach from the system and fall along with the drone. This does not affect the combat capability of the net-launcher: at the base, it is enough to simply replace the net cartridge and the pyrotechnic charge.
"One net shot costs around $50, but it can disable any drone with propellers, including large UAV models," the company representative said.
Photo: Ukrainian company AirNet has developed an automatic net-launcher with a radar system
Photo: Ukrainian company AirNet has developed an automatic net-launcher with a radar system
Photo: Ukrainian company AirNet has developed an automatic net-launcher with a radar system
Photo: Ukrainian company AirNet has developed an automatic net-launcher with a radar system
As reported on November 30, Ukraine and Norway will jointly produce domestic drones. The defense ministers of both countries signed the corresponding document. The priority will be interceptor drones.
Earlier, it was also reported that the United Kingdom would sign an agreement with Ukraine on the joint development and production of advanced military equipment. It provides for the exchange of technologies that will enhance the national security of both countries.
In addition, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated earlier that Ukraine, together with the United States, has begun producing interceptor drones capable of countering Russian strike UAVs.
