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Ukraine Introduces Innovative Strategy Against Russian Attack Drones. Here’s What We Know

Ukraine Introduces Innovative Strategy Against Russian Attack Drones. Here’s What We Know

Ukraine is attacked by over 1,000 Shahed attack drones every month, and Ukrainian developers have found an effective way to counter this threat—interceptor drones instead of expensive and scarce air defense missiles, which should be reserved for more critical targets such as Kinzhal or Kalibr missiles.

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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According to Defense Express, the Ukrainian workshop “Wild Hornets,” known for its FPV drones, has announced the upcoming mass production of new equipment designed to counter Iranian-Russian Shahed attack drones. In a statement posted on their Telegram channel, the workshop noted, “We are preparing for the mass production of Shahed destroyers.” Due to security reasons, further details of the project were not disclosed.

This development builds on the success of their anti-aircraft FPV drones, which have proven effective in recent months. Over the past three months alone, “Wild Hornets” delivered 1,000 anti-aircraft FPV drones to Ukraine’s defense forces, which have successfully downed more than 200 enemy reconnaissance drones. These efforts have saved military and civilian lives and protected equipment targeted by Russian Orlan, Zala, and other reconnaissance drones.

Anti-aircraft FPV drones offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional surface-to-air missiles, which remain in short supply. These drones are significantly cheaper compared to systems like the Stinger missile, which costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. The FPV drones, equipped with machine vision, are simple, mobile, and effective against aerial threats such as UAVs.

“Wild Hornets” have recently focused on increasing the speed of their FPV drones to enhance their capabilities. According to publicly available information, these drones can reach speeds of up to 325 km/h. This innovation is seen as an essential step in countering the growing threat of Shahed drones.

The threat from Shahed drones has escalated, with Russian forces launching a record 1,300 drones in September 2024 alone. Between October 1 and October 10, approximately 470 Shahed drones were launched at Ukraine. Additionally, reports suggest that Russian production facilities in Alabuga have manufactured 6,000 Shaheds, a year ahead of schedule, signaling a new phase in aerial warfare over Ukraine.

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