Franco-Ukrainian Start-Up Alta Ares Shoots Down Russian Shaheds With AI Interceptors

A new generation of interceptor drones developed by Franco-Ukrainian start-up Alta Ares is shooting down Russian Shahed drones on the battlefield, according to an interview with company’s CEO Hadrien Canter, published by Watson on April 13.

As Russia continues to launch massive drone swarms to deplete Ukraine’s expensive air defense missiles, cost-effective counter-drone technology has become critical. Alta Ares, a NATO-certified company established in 2024, has designed its AI-guided interceptors specifically to meet this demand, utilizing software, detection, and target-locking systems tested directly on the Ukrainian front lines.

Canter explained that the company produces two distinct interception platforms. The “X-Wing” is designed for rapid deployment and emergency engagement with minimal logistics. The “Black bird,” built for higher performance and heavier payloads, targets more complex threats such as next-generation Shahed drones or cruise missiles.

“In both cases, it is the software-sensor-guide integration that makes the difference and makes it possible to make our drones converge towards the target reliably,” Canter told Watson.

While the company is currently working with Ukrainian units within an evaluation framework, Canter confirmed that their systems have already been used in real combat conditions, successfully downing Russian drones, including Shaheds. The interceptors currently operate with a 54% success rate.

Canter emphasized that producing the drones in Europe—including utilizing critical components from a Swiss partner—ensures sovereignty and a secure supply chain. The ultimate goal is to mass-produce these interceptors at a fraction of the cost of traditional anti-aircraft missiles, providing a sustainable defense against Russia’s production of thousands of drones per month.

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War in Ukraine

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The start-up also noted high demand for its technology in the Middle East.

“We cannot comment on the situation in the Middle East. Beyond drones, it is also necessary to integrate and train users. But we can confirm that our interceptors are in high demand in the region,” Canter stated.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense had also recently approved the Shvidun, a new domestically developed unmanned aerial system designed specifically to intercept and destroy Russian drones like the Shahed-136. Built from durable composite materials, the 8-kilogram interceptor reaches speeds over 250 km/h and altitudes up to 6 kilometers. With an operational range exceeding 70 kilometers and a flight time of more than two hours, the Shvidun provides vital aerial coverage over cities and can be safely recovered if a target is lost.

Initial units are already flying combat missions. The defense ministry reports the system currently has one of the highest success rates among Ukrainian-made interceptors, having successfully destroyed nearly 100 enemy drones.

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