Ukraine could produce 400 interceptors for jet-powered Shaheds by end of October
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine is rushing to develop a high-speed interceptor drone capable of shooting down Russian jet-powered drones. Five such developments are currently being tested, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with the Financial Times.
According to him, by the end of October, Ukraine will be able to produce about 400 units of one of these models. Four other developments are still at the testing stage.
What is needed for production
Zelenskyy noted that there are obstacles in the race against Russian drones. In particular, the interceptors lack engines.
Photo: Zelenskyy spoke about the progress of interceptor drone development for jet-powered Shaheds (RBC-Ukraine infographic)
"Engines (are) the key, we really import a lot of engines. There are some engines of our production, but not enough," he said.
In September, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin ordered the army to abandon all rules of war.
Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian intelligence services learned about this from intercepted conversations, while Russia intensified its attacks on Kyiv.
We also reported that jet-powered Shaheds could be shot down not only by interceptors but also by missiles.
The Ukrainian Council of Arms Manufacturers noted that 55–60% of downed drones are intercepted by aircraft and air defense missiles, but there is a shortage of missiles.
