Ukraine is testing Nika and SPYS against jet-powered drones
Ukraine is testing two new weapons to combat Russian jet-powered drones. These are the Ukrainian-made “Nika” small rocket and the SPYS interceptor, which is being developed jointly with Germany. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that tests of the SPYS have already yielded positive results.
Ukraine is testing new weapons to counter Russia’s jet-powered drones. Among them are the “Nika” small missile and the high-speed SPYS interceptor drone. According to the president, the SPYS has already passed a successful test. Ukraine is developing this interceptor jointly with Germany, with the participation of Quantum Systems. “It is important that today we heard about the test of our new interceptor—the German-Ukrainian SPYS interceptor. The test was successful. We thank Quantum Systems,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine is testing the “Nika” missile
Separately, the president spoke about a new small rocket manufactured in Ukraine. According to him, it is intended specifically for combating jet-powered drones. Zelenskyy named it “Nika.” “Ukraine is getting a new small missile, the ‘Nika,’ to counter jet-powered ‘suicide drones,’” the head of state declared.
At the same time, the president did not disclose the missile’s technical specifications. There is also no information yet on its range, speed, cost, or the number planned for production. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine and Germany are working on the project, and the next stage will be testing. “The Germans and we are responding positively. There will be tests. For now, we’re seeing what could be positive,” the president said.
Ukraine is testing several interceptors
These new developments come amid a rise in the number of Russian jet-powered drones. As early as October 2, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was testing five models of interceptor drones. According to him, one of the models is expected to enter production by the end of October, with approximately 400 units to be manufactured. The other four remained in the testing phase at that time.
Separately, the president reported on the performance of the “Bars” interceptors. He said that these interceptors had the highest success rate in shooting down jet-powered drones among the systems currently in use by Ukraine. Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine, together with Germany, plans to acquire 2,000 “Bars” systems.
Jet-powered drones have become a distinct threat
Russia has recently been actively using jet-powered drones in its attacks on Ukraine. According to Zelenskyy, in just one week, Russia deployed more than 1,900 attack drones, of which more than 800 were jet-powered. In total, during this period, Russia also dropped approximately 1,700 aerial bombs and fired 25 missiles at Ukraine.
Due to the high speed of these drones, they are more difficult to intercept using traditional methods. Therefore, Ukraine is simultaneously working on various defense options—from high-speed interceptor drones to new missiles.
Back in September, Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine was accelerating the production of interceptors for jet-powered “suicide drones.” According to him, the goal is to secure a sufficient number of high-speed interceptors and less expensive missiles to combat this new type of threat.
Ukraine and Germany Are Expanding Cooperation
The issue of countering jet-powered drones has become one of the areas of defense cooperation between Ukraine and Germany. On October 4, Ukraine and Germany signed a series of documents in the defense industry sector. Among them is an agreement with Quantum Systems regarding the testing and procurement of interceptors for jet-powered drones.
In total, the parties signed 15 agreements and documents on security cooperation that day. According to Zelenskyy, these cover production, procurement, Ukrainian orders for German industry, and joint projects. The total “value” of these agreements, according to his estimate, exceeds 8.5 billion euros.
Thus, Ukraine is simultaneously testing new missiles and drone interceptors to strengthen its defense against jet-powered drones. At the same time, the specific specifications of the “Nika” and SPYS, as well as the timeline for their mass production, have not yet been disclosed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about this during a conversation with journalists in Kyiv.
Ukraine currently has a budget deficit of about $4 billion, which still needs to be covered to meet the state’s needs. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Ministry of Finance already knows where to secure about $3 billion, but no final agreements have been reached yet.
