Ukraine’s defense industry has unveiled a new drone designed to intercept and neutralise Russian Shahed drones, a significant advancement in the ongoing battle against aerial threats. The unveiling took place during a visit from the Belgian delegation, led by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who toured Kyiv to witness the latest developments in Ukraine’s defence sector.
In a video presented by President Volodymyr Zelensky, the drone was showcased as an active interceptor of Russian Shahed drones. According to the developers, the new drone has been particularly effective, with over 20 Shahed drones destroyed in just the past two months. The drone is also capable of engaging smaller aerial targets, such as reconnaissance drones conducting surveillance over Ukrainian territory.
While the full technical and tactical details of the drone remain undisclosed, its maximum speed is reported to be 200 km/h, with a maximum flight altitude of 5 km. This makes the drone a versatile tool in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to defend its airspace from Russian aggression.
The developers have stated that this drone is currently the most successful interceptor of Shahed drones in service with the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Its design aims to replace expensive anti-aircraft missiles, offering a more cost-effective solution for intercepting low-speed, small-sized targets like the Shahed drones.
The cooperation between Ukraine and Belgium has also been strengthened by the demonstration of this technology. In November 2024, Ukraine and Thales Belgium signed a memorandum to begin joint production of 70mm missiles. This collaboration could further evolve into a transfer of technologies, allowing Ukraine to independently produce FZ275 LGR missiles in the future.
| Drone Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 200 km/h |
| Maximum Flight Altitude | 5 km |
| Target Types | Shahed drones, reconnaissance drones |
