The Ukrainian defense-industrial complex and volunteer organizations are working on creating new means of countering enemy UAVs. This includes the development of compact guided missiles and interceptor drones, which are designed to stop the threat from jet "shaheeds" and prepare for the appearance of even faster modifications.
The Ukrainian defense-industrial complex and volunteer organizations are working on creating new means of countering enemy UAVs. This includes the development of compact guided missiles and interceptor drones, which are designed to stop the threat from jet "shaheeds" and prepare for the appearance of even faster modifications.
This was stated by Andriy Shuvalov, director of the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, in an interview with LB.ua.
According to him, the small air defense system built has reduced the effectiveness of enemy UAVs with internal combustion engines to 10–20%. Because of this, Russia has reequipped launch pads, as well as localized and scaled up the production of jet versions, using a limited number of missiles for classic air defense systems in the Defense Forces.
"Now we are talking about the fact that we have a problem that existed six months ago. There is a "shaheed", a certain evolution of it, and we are reaching for this evolution. Then the "shaheed" will take another step forward, we will be behind it again. So far, we do not have a solution that will jump over the "shaheed" and be ahead. So that it is not us, but the enemy who has to reach for us," the head of the fund noted.
Earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevheniy Khmara noted that the country is considering four potential interceptors. According to Shuvalov, work is currently underway in two main technical areas: interceptor drones and small missiles.
"In our opinion, the constant race "jet "Shahed" - jet interceptor" is a very complicated story. A short-range missile with an automatic homing head will significantly improve the situation. And this will be precisely about us jumping over the "Shahed" already in development," Shuvalov emphasized.
An important element of this multi-level air defense system (along with MANPADS, SAMs, and electronic warfare) is also robotic turrets, which are considered a means of last resort.
"As for robotic turrets, this is just the beginning. There are certain points that need to be adjusted, worked on. But they are already there, they work. In some places well, in some places not so much. Over time, this will also become an integral air defense system. They should be installed at the last line, when other means have not worked out," the head of the fund noted.
Shuvalov stressed that the main task for Ukrainian MilTech is to create a system solution that will allow it to work ahead of schedule. Russia has already begun testing the Geran-5 UAV, which will have an even higher speed than previous models.
