Ukraine has developed the APUS-1, a drone-interceptor that operates without GPS

The Ukrainian company Dark River has announced the APUS-1, an aircraft-type interceptor drone designed to combat Shahed-type kamikaze drones and reconnaissance UAVs. 

The drone supports autonomous navigation without GPS, is controlled by two operators, and is already in use by ten military units. On the government marketplace Brave1 Market, it is priced at 140,000 hryvnias, and the drone is currently undergoing the certification process.

The interceptor’s maximum speed reaches 320 km/h, its cruising speed is 140 km/h, and its range is up to 50 km. The drone can remain airborne for up to 50 minutes, climb to an altitude of up to 4,500 meters, and carry a payload weighing up to 1.5 kg. It is launched using a catapult, and preparation for launch takes less than five minutes.

The APUS-1 receives the coordinates of aerial targets in real time from radar stations or other surveillance systems, after which it destroys them through direct kinetic impact or by detonating its warhead. The drone is equipped with a digital video feed and a day vision camera; if it fails to complete its mission, it returns to the launch area or self-destructs.

This was reported by Defender Media.

Recently, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine three fiber-optic FPV systems manufactured by enterprises of JSC “Ukrainian Defense Industry.”

Prior to this, the Ministry of Defense had standardized and approved the domestic “Volynyaka” unmanned aerial system for use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Previously, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine approved the Shablya MK19(M) remotely controlled combat module for use by the troops. It is equipped with an MK19 40-mm automatic grenade launcher. 

Previously, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine had standardized and approved the “Nebokray” mobile workshops for use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). The system is designed for the repair and maintenance of drones.

The Ministry of Defense has codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine the new “General Chereshnya” FPV unmanned aerial system.

The Ministry of Defense has standardized and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine a new Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial system, the V-1. These ultra-light bombers are designed to strike concentrations of personnel, vehicles, and armored equipment.