Ukraine Unveils Shahed-Killer Interceptor Drones

Ukraine has unveiled its interceptor drones, which reportedly downed Russia’s Shahed kamikaze drones in midair on Tuesday.

President Volodymyr Zelensky showed a sample of the drone in a promotional video depicting a meeting between Ukrainian and Belgian arms manufacturers released on Tuesday.

Military news outlet Militarnyi, citing the drones’ developers, said the new interceptor drones have downed more than 20 Shaheds over the past two months, but details remain scarce.

The developers claimed the drones can reach up to 5 kilometers (16,400 feet) in altitude and accelerate to 200 kph (124 mph) and are capable of intercepting targets that are smaller than the Shahed drones in a comment to Militarnyi.

In the video, the drone can be seen equipped with a nose camera and features a reflective exterior that resembles the structure of carbon fibers. Its rear propeller, without a visible combustion engine and vent holes for heat dissipation, suggests that it might be electrically powered.

By referencing objects in the background, Kyiv Post believes the drone’s wingspan is likely less than two meters (6.6 feet).

The name of the drone and manufacturer was not mentioned. While the interceptor drones are presumably equipped with warheads that detonate upon interception, its exact mechanics have not been disclosed. 

The meeting between Belgian and Ukrainian arms manufacturers was part of the program during Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, and Defense Minister Theo Francken’s Tuesday visit to Kyiv.

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Zelensky, in his X update, hailed talks of arms manufacturing between Ukraine and Belgium and hinted at further bilateral cooperation.

“We also discussed the development of Ukraine’s defense industry, opportunities for joint production, and localization of manufacturing in Ukraine. Today, documents were signed envisaging cooperation between the defense companies of both our countries,” Zelensky said.

Belgium is among the Western coalition that has pledged its F-16 warplanes to Ukraine. However, recent reports suggest that the delivery has been delayed due to continuing delays in the production of the US F-35s slated to replace Belgium’s F-16s.