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This Is How Ukraine Turned an FPV Drone Into an Interceptor That Nets Russian Molniya-2, Video
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A Ukrainian first-person-view (FPV) interceptor drone has brought down a Russian Molniya-2 attack drone using a net-launching system developed by Ukrainian manufacturer Ptashka Drones.
The company released footage of the interception, showing the Ukrainian drone deploying a net against a Russian UAV carrying two munitions.
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Following the deployment, the Russian drone lost stability and began falling. Accordinfg to Militarnyi, he aircraft's descent may have been caused by a shift in its center of gravity or by the net becoming entangled in one of its propellers.
The interception demonstrated the use of a net-based system designed to disable hostile drones by physically disrupting their flight rather than destroying them with explosives.
The Ptashka Drones net launcher has a maximum projectile range of 30 meters when operated from a handheld launching device, Militarnyi reported. However, strong headwinds can reduce its effective range to approximately 27 meters.
The manufacturer identifies 20 to 25 meters as the optimal engagement distance for reliably intercepting FPV drones, with effectiveness decreasing at greater distances.
According to the outlet, the system deploys a net measuring 4 by 4 meters, designed to entangle an approaching drone and prevent it from maintaining controlled flight.
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The Molniya drone has also been reported in other conflict zones where Russian forces are operating, including Mali, where Russian Africa Corps personnel and Malian troops have been conducting operations against the al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group JNIM.
On September 21, Sahel-focused outlet Alerte Sahel reported that a Russian-made Molniya attack drone had reportedly been brought down near the town of Dioura in central Mali.
Footage published by the outlet appeared to show the wreckage of a Molniya-type fixed-wing drone following its crash in Mali's Mopti region.
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