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Ukrainian and European Companies Test AI Drones to Intercept Russian KAB Bombs
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Ukraine is developing AI-powered drone interceptors to counter Russian guided bombs (KABs), with several Ukrainian and European companies collaborating on the technology, according to Valeriy Vyshnivskyi, Ukraine’s senior representative at JATEC and Director of Program Implementation at the NATO-Ukraine Joint Center.
Speaking to journalists in Brussels on October 15, Vyshnivskyi explained that NATO operates an annual innovation cycle. When no internal solution is found, the alliance launches its “Innovation Challenge” competition to source external proposals.
“Ukraine submitted scenarios showing how KABs are being used and outlined the results we wanted to achieve,” he said.
The initiative drew 40 submissions, which were reviewed by a panel of NATO and Ukrainian experts specializing in counter-KAB technologies.
While the companies’ names are not being disclosed at this stage, Vyshnivskyi said Ukraine has now obtained both a single drone interceptor and a swarm-based system. The swarm system integrates artificial intelligence, allowing multiple drones to coordinate autonomously when engaging targets.
Although still under development, the technology has already demonstrated significant effectiveness against drones against Shahed-type drones. Final trials are scheduled around October 20 at the Biscarosse testing range in France.
During the trials, companies will be required to demonstrate the operational performance of their systems under realistic combat conditions.
“Glide bombs and drones will be launched, and the systems will have to engage them,” Vyshnivskyi said.
When asked whether the primary goal was to counter KABs specifically, Vyshnivskyi emphasized that the solutions are still being refined.
Earlier, at the AUSA 2025 international defense exhibition, Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding with leading US aviation company Bell Textron Inc. to establish local manufacturing and servicing operations in Ukraine.
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