The Serhiy Prytula Foundation has contracted interceptor drones of various types to counter jet-powered aerial targets, in response to the changing nature of Russian air attacks. The organisation told LB.ua.
The foundation explains that the need for a new generation of interceptors is growing because Russia is using jet-powered unmanned aircraft and drone-missiles, which are faster and significantly reduce the time available for response and interception. In September alone, the enemy launched around 1,800 drones of this type at Ukrainian territory, the Serhiy Prytula Foundation said.
As Kyrylo Lyukov, head of the Serhii Prytula Foundation’s unmanned systems department, notes, several manufacturers have already successfully completed range trials and confirmed the key tactical and technical characteristics of their developments. At present, certain solutions are being prepared for combat use by specialised units of Ukraine’s Defence Forces. The tests also showed that some interceptors are already capable of pursuing jet-powered unmanned aircraft and striking targets with a turbojet engine.
The main challenge for interception is the target’s speed, the foundation says. Jet-powered drones can travel at 300–600 km/h, and in some regions their routes run at altitudes of 5–9 km. This significantly reduces reaction time while also limiting the range of means that can be used for interception. Therefore, alongside developing interceptors, it is important to strengthen radar coverage and improve the quality of target designation.
The Serhiy Prytula Foundation added that the procurement of interceptors for jet-powered targets is part of the United Fundraiser. Clear Skies project.
Ukraine is currently seeking ways to counter jet-powered drones at various levels. At the end of August, Defence Minister Yevhen Khmara said there are already four potential interceptors capable of shooting down Russian jet-powered Shaheds.
In turn, Brave1 CEO Andriy Hrytsenyuk said that to counter Russian jet-powered UAVs, the cluster is working in four areas:
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turbojet interceptors with an engine like that of a cruise missile;
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impeller-driven electric interceptors — around eight times cheaper (the engine costs $500-1,000 versus $5,000-8,000 for a turbojet);
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ultra-fast electric racing quadcopters capable of accelerating to over 450 km/h;
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means of downing “Shaheds” on head-on courses, which six companies are working on.