Ukraine Introduces Mavic Interceptor Drones

Ukrainian military forces have begun utilizing interceptor drones to combat Russian reconnaissance quadcopters on the battlefield. This new capability aims to enhance the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense against small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used by enemy infantry for fire adjustment, reconnaissance, and dropping bombs.

Footage of these intercept operations has been shared by Ptashka Drones, a Ukrainian company that produces modular drone systems. The interception is carried out using drones equipped with net launchers, enabling the military to effectively capture or disable enemy drones.

The net launchers can be mounted on commonly used military drones, such as Mavic, Autel, or FPV types. When deployed, the net entangles the propellers of the targeted UAV, rendering it unable to fly. The intercepted drone may either crash or be retrieved by the interceptor drone.

According to the developers, the ability to reuse interceptor drones has significantly reduced the cost of a single interception to approximately 1,200 hryvnias, equivalent to the price of one cartridge charge. The net launcher itself weighs only 373 grams, which is less than the weight of a standard infantry grenade, allowing it to be attached to virtually any drone.

In addition to the net launchers, Ukrainian engineers are also developing a single-shot interceptor pistol, designed as a self-defense tool against attacking FPV drones. Representatives from Ptashka Drones emphasize that the development of this device is challenging due to the technical limitations of its small size, requiring a careful balance between power, range, stability, and durability.

The interceptor pistol is currently in the final stages of development and undergoing testing before being supplied for trial use by military personnel.