Ukrainian defence technology company Phantom Defense has announced the completion of a deal to acquire KARAKURT, a developer of drone net launchers. Phantom Defense said so in a press release.
The KARAKURT net-drop system is already being integrated into the Phantom Defense ecosystem. According to company representatives, integrating drone net-interception technologies into the ecosystem will strengthen the protection of frontline units and infrastructure facilities against various types of unmanned threats.
The technology provides physical interception of UAVs without using kinetic impact, the company said. Using the net-launcher module, the device throws a strong net over the target, blocking the rotors and preventing further flight. Phantom Defense notes that this makes it possible to bring down enemy drones in a condition suitable for study or for repeated combat use by Ukraine’s defence forces.
In addition, the use of net launchers minimises the risk of collateral damage from explosions and shrapnel, making them an effective solution for protecting critical and civilian infrastructure facilities from various types of unmanned threats.
Thanks to the modules’ minimal weight, from 201 grams, the net launchers keep the carrier drone’s manoeuvrability and flight time virtually unchanged, the company said.
KARAKURT anti-drone systems are adapted for different types of carriers and tactical scenarios:
- For DJI Mavic, Matrice and Autel platforms (M3, M4, A4 modifications), a vertical net shot from top to bottom has been implemented. This makes it possible to neutralise enemy UAVs that have “gone to ground” — in ambush, on rooftops or on the ground.
- For FPV drones and specialised platforms (FPV, LS modifications), a forward shot is used with a capture-retention system to attack moving targets at high speed.
According to the company, the military has used more than 50,000 KARAKURT kits over the past six months. As part of this programme, more than 5,000 video confirmations of successful interceptions of enemy UAVs have already been recorded.
As part of the acquisition deal’s development, KARAKURT also presented “Mangal” — a system for close-range net interception of UAVs as part of the Phantom Defense ecosystem. The system is designed for point air defence of military equipment, fixed positions and unmanned ground systems against enemy drones.
The company said that “Mangal” combines artificial intelligence technologies, daytime and thermal cameras to detect aerial threats and automatically recognises targets — the response time from detection to net launch is 1 second. On command, the system launches a net that physically entangles the drone and prevents it from flying.
According to the developers, the modular installation is equipped with six net launchers and has an operating range of 5 to 15 metres. The built-in battery provides at least 8 hours of autonomous operation. “Mangal” can also be powered by an additional battery module or the onboard power system of a combat vehicle.
Phantom Defense is a Ukrainian defence technology company that is building an integrated ecosystem to counter unmanned threats: electronic warfare, target detection systems, kinetic engagement means, and a situational awareness and battle management platform.