Ukraine launches new level of air defense to hit targets thousands of miles away
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian operators can now control interceptors in a new way (Getty Images)
Ukraine has begun scaling up remote control technology for interceptor drones, enabling operators to shoot down enemy targets hundreds and even thousands of kilometers away, according to Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Remote control and pilot safety
According to the minister, Ukraine has become the first country in the world to systematically scale remote control of interception systems.
A key feature of the technology is that pilots are no longer tied to specific frontline positions. Drones can be operated from secure environments in rear cities such as Kyiv and Lviv, or even from abroad.
Fedorov noted that this approach not only increases the effectiveness of air defense but also significantly reduces risks to Ukrainian operators.
"This is an example of implementing defense innovation and setting a new standard for air defense. We can scale capabilities without being tied to the line of contact," the Defense Minister said.
Intercepting Shaheds from several thousand km away — a new standard for air defense.
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) April 23, 2026
Pilot in a secure office, drone in the sky. 10+ manufacturers have already integrated remote-control tech via @BRAVE1ua. Moving toward the goal: 95% neutralization of enemy targets. pic.twitter.com/7T6PqcPESi
Scaling and plans
More than 10 Ukrainian manufacturers have already integrated remote-control solutions into their systems. The development of this technology became possible thanks to the Brave1 cluster initiative, launched a year ago.
The Defense Ministry aims to achieve 100% detection and at least 95% neutralization of enemy targets as part of developing short-range air defense.
"Following the President’s directive, we continue to develop innovations to protect Ukraine’s skies. Today, we have confirmed results — intercepting targets at distances of hundreds and thousands of kilometers," Fedorov said.
Development of Ukraine’s defense tech
Earlier, Mykhailo Fedorov told RBC-Ukraine in detail how the Brave1 cluster became the foundation for the development of Ukraine’s technologies. According to him, the path from the first UAVs to the creation of domestically produced missiles became possible thanks to cooperation between the state and private developers.
Ukraine’s tech market also continues to attract international players. In particular, Japanese corporation Terra Drone announced its entry into the Ukrainian market through a strategic partnership with developer Amazing Drones.
Their joint work focuses on improving interceptor drones capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h.
In addition, Ukraine’s military is being reinforced with new serial weapons systems. Quantum Frontline Industries has already delivered the first batch of Linza drones to the Armed Forces.
These systems have already been tested in real combat conditions, and the manufacturer has moved to mass production to meet frontline needs.
