In his address to the UN General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that four new jet interceptor drones have been successfully tested.
These new developments effectively counter jet-powered Shaheds, which Russia launches at Ukrainian cities and infrastructure every hour. Ukraine is already rolling out large-scale production of these interceptors to protect its skies and, together with partners, has also launched the Freyja anti-ballistic programme. Ten countries have already joined it: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands and Ukraine. Talks are also continuing on Poland and other allies joining.
The head of state stressed that cutting-edge technologies and interceptors are needed to repel mass attacks. Since the start of the year, Russia has used more than 2,100 missiles against Ukraine, including over 950 ballistic missiles, as well as around 60,000 attack drones, of which more than 7,700 were jet-powered Shaheds.
Zelenskyy added that Russia’s summer offensive has failed, while its oil industry and finances are being drained. To stop Putin for good, it is necessary to keep destroying the aggressor’s revenues, tighten sanctions and end any trade with the Russian Federation, because it is money that gives the war fresh resources, the head of state emphasised.
- As for interceptors, the Ukrainian unmanned systems manufacturer Vluchnyk has completed the full cycle of internal tests of the new Zorelit v5 interceptor drone.
- The drone was developed as a means of intercepting aerial targets directly along their flight path. According to the manufacturer, the drone is designed to counter reconnaissance drones, Russian UAVs Gerbera and Geran-2, as well as high-speed jet drones Geran-3 and Geran-4.