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Ukraine Tests New Drone-Killing Air Balloon to Counter Russian Shahed Strikes
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![Vlad Litnarovych]( "Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukraine is working on a cutting-edge aerial system to counter Russia’s nightly barrages of Shahed suicide drones, the Ukrainian media outlet Militarny reported on March 13.
The innovative concept involves using an aerostat—essentially a tethered airship—as a launch platform for FPV interceptor drones. The system is being developed by the company Aerobavovna in collaboration with its partners.
A thermal imaging camera mounted on the aerostat will be used to detect enemy drones. Once a threat is identified, an interceptor drone is released from the aerostat and guided to its target by an operator. The technical specifications of the system and the drones remain classified.
For over a year, various units of Ukraine’s Armed Forces have actively deployed aerostats as airborne platforms for communication and surveillance. These high-altitude relays provide a far more stable connection than ground-based systems, which is crucial for military coordination.
“We’ve been working for two years to ensure these aerostats can fly in all weather conditions. Right now, we’re testing them in the most challenging scenarios,” one of the developers said.
The aerostats can reach altitudes of up to 800 meters (2,600 feet), carry payloads of up to 10 kg (22 lbs), and operate regardless of weather conditions.
In addition to communication and surveillance, they are also capable of electronic warfare and drone interception.
Earlier, a Ukrainian MilTech company, Skiftech, was awarded a contract by the US Army for the development of advanced laser-based training simulators on March 12.
This agreement marks the first time a Ukrainian company has been selected for such a project, positioning Skiftech alongside major global defense contractors.
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