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Ukraine’s Low-Cost “Taras-P” Drones Destroy $27 Million Worth of Russian UAVs

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Ivan Khomenko
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Ukraine’s Low-Cost “Taras-P” Drones Destroy $27 Million Worth of Russian UAVs
Ukrainian “Taras-P” Drone Interceptor, 2025. (Source: Serhiy Prytula Foundation)

Ukraine’s Defense Forces have destroyed 258 Russian drones using the domestically developed “Taras-P” drone interceptors, according to a June 16 update from the Serhiy Prytula Foundation.

Seventeen units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been equipped with these interceptors under the foundation’s “Clear Sky” fundraising initiative.

The foundation reports that Russian drones eliminated by Taras-P systems represent a total estimated value of approximately $27 million. The intercepted drones include reconnaissance and strike types such as Merlin, ZALA-20, Lancet, Molniya, Skat, and Herbera.

Infographic showing types and numbers of Russian drones shot down by Ukrainian Taras-P interceptors. (Source: Serhiy Prytula Foundation)
Infographic showing types and numbers of Russian drones shot down by Ukrainian Taras-P interceptors. (Source: Serhiy Prytula Foundation)

Herbera drones, in particular, are frequently used to mimic Iranian-made Shahed drones and overload Ukraine’s air defense systems. Intercepting such drones with missile-based systems is costly.

In contrast, a single Taras-P interceptor costs $1700. A total of 281 interceptors were used to down the 258 drones, costing approximately $470.000.

According to the Prytula Foundation, Taras-P interceptors are actively deployed to counter Russian drone surveillance efforts, which are used to monitor frontline positions and adjust artillery fire.

Previously, several frontline sectors experienced high densities of Russian reconnaissance UAVs, complicating Ukrainian troop movements and exposing logistics to repeated strikes.

The foundation notes that the reduced presence of enemy drones has led to improved artillery performance and better conditions for logistics and troop maneuvers.

The Taras-P can remain airborne for over an hour, reach speeds of 160 km/h, and has an operational range of up to 35 kilometers with a ceiling of 6,000 meters. Its airframe, initiation module, and warhead are produced in Ukraine. The use of Ukrainian-made engines is currently under consideration.

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon is turning to Ukraine for drone technology, citing the failure of US startups to meet battlefield needs. Ukrainian companies like Skyfall, which has completed over 1.5 million combat missions, are now partnering with US firms to supply battle-tested drones for American forces.

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