-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
A Russian drone, identified as Gerbera, was shot down by the Ukrainian Defense Forces using an FPV (First-Person View) intercepting drone. The incident was reported via a video posted on the Ukrainian Telegram channel, marking a notable advancement in drone warfare tactics.
This is the first publicly documented instance of an FPV drone successfully intercepting a Gerbera UAV. The intercepted drone exhibits differences from the standard Gerbera models typically employed by Russian forces. Often, these drones are deployed without payloads as decoys for air defense systems, equipped with basic commercial GPS antennas and occasionally using modems for mobile internet with Ukrainian SIM cards.
The downed Gerbera displayed a secured satellite antenna of the CRPA type and a telemetry information transmission channel. The design of the Gerbera allows for three operational configurations: as an electronic reconnaissance vehicle, a FPV drone, or a decoy for air defense systems.
On October 20, 2024, Ukraine introduced the Sting, a first-person view (FPV) drone designed to intercept Iranian-made Shahed-136 attack drones. Developed by the Wild Hornets group, the Sting offers a cost-effective and agile solution to counter the growing threat from these loitering munitions, reaching speeds over 160 km/h (100 mph) and operational altitudes up to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Its ground control via VR goggles allows for enhanced visibility, and future upgrades will include an AI targeting system for improved tracking precision.
The Sting’s introduction addresses the increasing strain on Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, as Russia produces over 6,000 Shahed-style drones annually, leading to frequent attacks. This situation has put pressure on Ukraine’s stockpile of costly Western surface-to-air missiles. The Sting provides a more economical method for intercepting these drones, allowing high-value missiles to be reserved for other critical threats.
Ukraine has begun deploying unique Sting drones, capable of intercepting Russian attack drones.
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) October 24, 2024
READ: https://t.co/0nOE4G7xA9 pic.twitter.com/fnPZkTfiE9
Earlier this year, Ukraine also launched the world’s first military branch dedicated to drone warfare, targeting the production of 1.5 million drones this year, with plans to scale up to four million annually.
