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Ukraine’s New APUS-1 Interceptor Drone Bypasses GPS to Hunt Russian Shaheds
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Ukrainian defense technology company Dark River has unveiled the APUS-1 interceptor drone, a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle designed to destroy Russian Shahed-type loitering munitions and reconnaissance drones, according to Defender Media on July 6.
The APUS-1 is intended to intercept aerial targets through either direct kinetic impact or by detonating an onboard warhead. If an interception is unsuccessful, the drone can return to its launch area, while a self-destruct function can also be activated if necessary.
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According to the manufacturer, the interceptor has a cruising speed of 140 km/h and can reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h. It has an operational range of up to 50 kilometers, an endurance of 50 minutes, and can carry a payload weighing up to 1.5 kilograms. The drone is launched using a catapult system.
The APUS-1 is equipped with a digital video transmission channel and a daytime optical camera. It supports autonomous navigation without relying on GPS and can also be operated manually.
The system requires only two operators, while preparation for launch takes less than five minutes. Its maximum operational altitude is reported to be 4,500 meters.
According to Defender Media, the drone can receive target coordinates in real time from radar stations or other surveillance systems, allowing operators to engage incoming aerial threats quickly.
The APUS-1 is currently undergoing Ukraine's official codification process, which is required before wider military procurement. It is listed on the government's Brave1 Market defense technology platform at a price of approximately $3,300.
The manufacturer said the interceptor is already in operational use by 10 Ukrainian military units.
Several days earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian defense technology company Contra Drone has introduced a multi-layered counter-drone solution that integrates more than 20 defensive technologies, highlighted by an automated mini air defense system capable of identifying, tracking, and engaging FPV drones without requiring continuous operator input.
The centerpiece of the presentation was the Mini Air Defense System, an automated platform developed to counter small aerial threats, including FPV drones, quadcopters, and fixed-wing UAVs traveling at speeds of up to 300 km/h.
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