Ukraine unveils Zorelit v5 interceptor drone to take down jet-powered Russian Shaheds
Photo: Zorelit v5 (Vluchnyk)
The Ukrainian company Vluchnyk has unveiled a new interceptor drone, the Zorelit v5, designed to combat jet-powered attack drones. The drone is capable of reaching speeds of up to 416 km/h and intercepting targets along their flight path.
Zorelit v5 technical specifications
The drone's maximum speed is 416 km/h, and its flight range on a single charge is up to 47 km. At a cruising speed of 200 km/h, the flight duration is approximately 17 minutes. The drone is designed to carry a payload weighing 300–600 grams.
The kit includes a camera gimbal, an ELRS module with a choice of several frequency bands (150 / 340 / 500 / 620 / 750 / 915 / 2.4 / Sine. Link / other), a 4990–6100 MHz VTX video transmitter with 2.5 W power and a 5 dBi RHCP antenna, as well as an initiation board with the capability for remote detonation and a physical safety pin.
What targets can new drone intercept
According to the manufacturer, the Zorelit v5 is designed to intercept the following types of drones along their flight path at cruising speed:
- All reconnaissance drones
- Gerbera drone (cruising speed 140 km/h)
- Geran-2 drone (cruising speed 185 km/h)
- Geran-3 jet drone (cruising speed 300 km/h)
- Geran-4 jet drone (cruising speed 320–350 km/h).
The new interceptor is based on the previous Zorelit v4 model, which has already seen many successful combat deployments, has been adopted into service, and has received a NATO Stock Number (NSN). The design of the new version incorporates solutions proven during its predecessor's combat missions.
Photo: Zorelit v5 (Vluchnyk)
Additional features and configuration
The drone can be equipped with an optional module for remote control via the Internet, which transmits both control commands and video. The configuration designated AI includes target illumination for the thermal imaging camera to enable more effective target tracking, as well as automatic last-mile guidance to the target during the final stage of the attack. Autonomous navigation to the target area based on SkyMap data is also featured.
Currently, the Zorelit v5 is available for order through direct contracts with military units. At the same time, the drone is undergoing the codification process; once completed, it will become available for order through the eBaly program.
Jet-powered interceptor drones are gradually becoming a distinct area of development for Ukraine's anti-drone defense. In late August, the Ukrainian Defense Forces received the first domestically produced jet-powered interceptor, the Alexa Spatium, designed specifically to destroy small aerial, ground, and surface targets.
