Ukraine launches large-scale production of Shahed drone interceptors
Photo: Ukrainian Octopus interceptor drone (Ministry of Defense of Ukraine)
Ukraine has launched serial production of the Octopus interceptor drone, designed to counter Russian Shahed attack UAVs. The first manufacturers have already received the technology, said Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.
According to Shmyhal, three manufacturers have received the necessary technologies to produce Octopus drones, while another eleven are preparing their production lines.
"Octopus is a Ukrainian technology for intercepting Shaheds, developed by the Armed Forces and proven in combat. It works at night, under jamming, and at low altitudes," the minister noted.
He added that launching Octopus into mass production will allow interceptor drones to be delivered quickly to protect Ukraine’s skies from Russian UAVs.
"The Ministry of Defense continues its policy of open cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers, creating conditions for a rapid transition from innovation to serial combat solutions that strengthen Ukraine’s defense capability,” Shmyhal added.
Earlier, Shmyhal promised that Ukraine would soon reach a production rate of 1,000 interceptor drones per day, saying this is Ukraine’s response to Russia’s night attacks.
Octopus is a Ukrainian small interceptor drone designed to locate and destroy disposable Shahed‑type attack UAVs and similar models. The system has already proven effective on the battlefield and has become the basis for an international industrial program for mass production.
The drone is co-produced by Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Ukraine has also begun joint production with the United States of interceptor drones capable of countering Russian attack UAVs, although it is unclear whether this refers specifically to Octopus.
