Ukrainian companies develop interceptors against Russia’s jet drones
At the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland, Ukrainian manufacturers are showcasing solutions to counter jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles, which Russia — the aggressor state — is increasingly using in its war against Ukraine. Companies are working to increase the speed of interceptor drones and aim to make them cheaper than the targets they are intended to destroy, Defense News reports.
Developments by Ukrainian manufacturers
UAV manufacturer General Cherry is developing a new version of the Bullet interceptor with a kinetic booster. Its maximum speed is expected to be about 450 km/h. The company’s senior international affairs manager, Andrii Oliinyk, said that the new vehicle requires design changes and the use of more heat-resistant materials. Production is planned for this autumn after testing is completed.
Ukrainian company Grim Tech is also developing an interceptor with a planned maximum speed of 500 to 700 km/h. According to a company representative, Russia uses almost exclusively jet-powered Shaheds to attack Kyiv, as interceptors against older generations of drones had an interception rate of about 90%. Grim Tech plans to present its jet interceptor by the end of October.
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Fast development cycles
BlueBird Tech, which supplies the Ukrainian military with FPV drones, drone detectors, electronic warfare systems, and ground robotic systems, announced the development of an interceptor for air defense. Business development head Vadym Stepanchuk noted that the project is at an early stage. According to him, the company’s research and development cycles are usually measured in weeks, while elsewhere they can last years.
BlueBird Tech aims to create a jet interceptor that will be cost-effective and suitable for mass production. MSPO is taking place in Kielce from September 8 to 11. At the exhibition, Estonian company DefSecIntel Solutions, which specializes in counter-drone and surveillance systems, signed a cooperation agreement with Ukrainian-Estonian company DoD Solution, which develops onboard computers and autonomy systems for unmanned platforms.
Ukrainian manufacturers are also preparing for the possible lifting of restrictions on arms exports. Earlier, the Ukrainian government decided to create a regulated mechanism allowing defense companies to export surplus military equipment to partner countries, provided that the needs of the Ukrainian military are met first.
