Ukraine's Cyclops interceptor joins fight against Russian Shahed and Lancet drones
Photo: The Cyclops unmanned aerial system (mod.gov.ua)
Ukraine has approved and authorized for use by the Armed Forces a new Cyclops unmanned aerial system designed to engage enemy air and ground targets, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.
What is known about the Cyclops UAV system?
The Cyclops unmanned aerial system was developed by a Ukrainian defense company with experience designing weapons and military equipment tailored for the demands of modern high-intensity warfare.
Various versions of the Cyclops have already been operating on the battlefield for several years.
The system comes in several configurations designed for different military missions.
Some variants are cheaper, simpler in design, and easier to operate. They are intended to engage ground targets or slow-moving aerial targets flying at low altitudes.
Other variants feature significantly enhanced performance characteristics and are designed to effectively intercept high-speed Shahed attack drones at considerable altitudes.
Technical specifications
The Cyclops UAV has a wingspan of just over one meter and can remain airborne for nearly 1.5 hours. It can operate at altitudes higher than the maximum operating ceiling of Russian attack and reconnaissance drones.
According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, the system's operational range is sufficient to provide protection for any regional capital in Ukraine against aerial drone threats.
The UAV's compact size and high speed significantly reduce the risk of it being detected and destroyed by enemy air defense systems.
Which Russian drones can the Cyclops intercept?
The Cyclops V2 UAV has already destroyed more than 100 aerial targets. According to available data, these include:
- Gerbera
- Zala
- Orlan
- Supercam
- Lancet
- Molniya.
Notably, the first Russian Shahed drone shot down over Russia's Kursk region was reportedly intercepted by a Cyclops drone.
Recently, Ukrainian company Dark River unveiled the APUS-1 interceptor drone, designed to counter Shahed attack drones and reconnaissance UAVs. The system is already being used by ten military units.
Earlier, TAF Industries launched serial production of the Octopus-100 interceptor drone, which was developed to destroy jet-powered Shahed drones traveling at high speeds.
