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Ukraine Debuts Interceptor 2.0 Drone That Hunts Enemy Drones in Real Time
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
![Photo of Tetiana Frolova]( "Photo of Tetiana Frolova")
Ukraine’s defense technology sector presented a new unmanned aerial vehicle, the Interceptor 2.0, at this year’s IDEF 2025 international defense exhibition in Istanbul.
Developed by Ukrainian company RC Direction, the system is intended to provide a rapid response to evolving aerial threats, including reconnaissance and strike drones.
According to Army Recognition on July 29, the Interceptor 2.0 is designed as a high-speed UAV capable of intercepting airborne targets in real-time. It is powered by a single-circuit turbojet engine, with a cruise speed of 220 km/h and a maximum speed of 320 km/h.
The system incorporates the ChaklunLRS module, which combines automated target detection and auto-lock capabilities. This integration allows for autonomous tracking and engagement of aerial threats at an effective range of up to 30 km with radar support. The control and telemetry system extends operational reach to 75 km.
The UAV is tailored for deployment under various operational conditions, with launch capability supported by a catapult mechanism. Its wingspan measures 1,500 mm, with a total length of 1,650 mm and a takeoff weight of 10.4 kg.
Operating across a temperature range of -30°C to +40°C and in wind conditions up to 12 m/s, the Interceptor 2.0 is intended for flexible use across diverse environments.
RC Direction, established in 2022, has adopted a modular development model that allows production sites to be deployed within two months over areas exceeding 1,200 square meters.
The system’s communications architecture supports secure digital and analog video links, maintaining operator control in contested electromagnetic environments. These features are aimed at countering jamming and surveillance, contributing to the drone’s survivability in electronic warfare conditions.
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Compared to legacy loitering munitions such as Israel’s Harpy or Russia’s Lancet, which are primarily used against fixed ground targets, the Interceptor 2.0 is configured for intercepting fast-moving aerial platforms.
Its payload capacity of 1.6 kg and compact airframe prioritize agility over destructive payload delivery, reflecting its role as a precision interceptor rather than an offensive strike asset.
The platform is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to conventional air defense systems, offering rapid deployment and real-time response. With increased reliance on UAVs in both conventional and asymmetric warfare, the introduction of a system like the Interceptor 2.0 reflects Ukraine’s growing capacity to contribute to next-generation air defense solutions.
Its presentation at IDEF 2025 reinforces Türkiye’s role as a hub for showcasing international defense technologies and Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to expand its footprint in the global drone industry.
Earlier, at IDEF 2025, Ukraine unveiled the GYURZA-02, its most advanced urban combat vehicle to date. Developed by UKR ARMO TECH, the armored platform features modular armor, AI-assisted threat detection, and counter-drone defenses, reflecting battlefield experience and export-focused design.
