Ukraine successfully intercepted a Russian drone using a jet-powered interceptor for the first time during Russia’s overnight attack between Sunday and Monday, according to defense firm Firebolt Engineering.
The company said the interception, carried out using its Griffen drone, was confirmed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Firebolt also shared footage of the launch and interception as part of a press release distributed to the media.
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The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 68 missiles and 351 drones of various types overnight in a massive strike targeting Kyiv. The attack killed at least 17 people and injured dozens more.
The interception likely took place in southern Ukraine, based on military officials from the Air Command South cited by the press release.
In the press release, Firebolt Engineering said the Griffen, classed between low-cost propeller-driven interceptor drones and high-cost air defense missiles, is designed to intercept Russia’s jet-powered drones.
“Jet-modified Shaheds are capable of achieving more than twice the speed of earlier variants, which typically fly at approximately 180-200 km/h [112-125 mph]... Propeller-driven interceptor drones can struggle to pursue faster targets, particularly at altitude or in contested electronic warfare environments,” the press release says.
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“Jet-powered Griffen is designed to address this gap,” it adds.
Ukraine’s commander-in-chief warned in early June that Russia is expected to double the ratio of jet-powered drones in future strikes.
Griffen specifications
Firebolt Engineering said the Griffen can fly faster than 350 kph (217 mph), with an operating altitude of over 7,500 meters (24,606 feet) and a range of up to 120 km (75 miles).
Footage shared by the company suggests the Griffen is launched from the ground using a catapult system.
The company said the drone is the product of a joint Ukrainian-British development. Firebolt Engineering itself is a joint venture between Ukrainian arms maker Technary and UK-based defense investment and venture-building firm Grenadyr.
According to Firebolt Engineering, the goal is to scale production of Griffen, integrate it with Ukraine’s layered air defense, and develop autonomous features.
“Firebolt’s immediate priority is to support Ukraine’s operational needs via rapid scaling of Griffen production… The next phase involves integrating Griffen into layered air defense architectures and advancing the platforms autonomy roadmap,” the press release says.
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