Ukraine’s Paratroopers Use Fishing Rods to Hunt Down Russian Drones, Video

Ukrainian airborne troops have developed a new method for intercepting enemy drones using modified fishing rods, according to a video released by the 46th Air Assault Brigade.

The footage, published on the brigade’s official channel, shows a Ukrainian drone equipped with a fishing rod and a suspended line. The line appears to carry a small weight, allowing it to maintain tension in the air.

The interceptor drone approaches a Russian drone from above, maneuvering the line into the rotors. As a result, the enemy drone’s propellers become entangled or damaged, causing it to crash.

According to the footage, this method was used to successfully down at least two Russian quadcopters. A separate attempt to intercept a fixed-wing loitering munition—identified as a Molniya-type drone—was also recorded but appeared unsuccessful.

While the fishing rod technique is new in its form, the broader concept of kinetic drone-on-drone interception has been in use since mid-2024. That year saw the rapid expansion of Ukrainian FPV interceptor drone programs, aimed at physically disabling enemy UAVs mid-flight.

In those earlier instances, drones were often fitted with rigid poles used to strike the engines or propellers of enemy aircraft. These interceptors were typically single-use, as the impact often destabilized both drones.

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The fishing line approach may offer a safer and reusable alternative. Unlike rigid poles, the line and weight system does not apply direct mechanical force to the drone platform. Instead, the enemy drone becomes entangled in the suspended cord, while the Ukrainian drone maintains maneuverability and altitude.

Earlier in January, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that frontline units are now receiving over 1,500 anti-Shahed interceptor drones per day—marking a significant escalation in Ukraine’s drone defense strategy.

The expanded use of these drones allows forces to neutralize Russian aerial threats without relying solely on expensive missile systems, while new training centers and interception zones are being established to strengthen layered air defense across the country.

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