A new interceptor drone developed in Ukraine is already shooting down Russian jet-powered “Shaheds”. Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported this on Instagram.
According to Fedorov, a month passed from the start of development to the first confirmed shoot-downs. Combat trials were carried out by crews from the National Guard’s Unmanned Aerial Systems unit, Lasar’s Group: over several days, the troops shot down two Russian jet-powered Geran-5 drones that were heading for Kyiv. Fedorov noted that the interceptor’s speed makes it possible to bring down jet-powered “Shaheds” before they reach the city.
“The tests are going successfully, and this is only the beginning. We are now improving the technology and increasing production. The goal is to make the interceptor fully autonomous so that it can detect and intercept Russian drones without an operator’s involvement,” Fedorov said.
He added that the next step is to scale up the drone’s combat use to protect a greater number of Ukrainian cities.
Fedorov added that the jet-powered interceptor is only one of the projects. He noted that together with his team he continues to work in Ukraine and is already developing a number of new products and technologies to protect the skies and support the front line. Earlier he reported the creation of his own defence-tech company.
By way of reminder, in early September former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said that he had already returned to Kyiv from a trip abroad, where he met “with many donors who could potentially finance the further transformation of our country, especially in the direction of a digital state, AI, and the launch of new products”, his press service said. He also said he held meetings with venture funds and Big Tech companies.
Fedorov named three priorities for his work:
- first – sensorisation and robotisation of the front line;
- second – jet-powered interceptors, cheap missiles against jet-powered “Shaheds” and missiles;
- third – cheap strike missiles, later with AI systems.
He also announced the launch of an analytical centre.
Fedorov lost his post as defence minister in July this year, following the replacement of Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko by Serhii Koretskyi. The resignation, the reasons for which were not communicated, sparked protests in many cities across Ukraine. The mass rallies ultimately led to Oleksandr Syrskyi being dismissed as Commander-in-Chief and Mykhailo Drapatyi being appointed in his place.