Ukraine Successfully Tests New Interceptor Against Jet-Powered Russian Drones

Ukraine has successfully conducted testing on another drone interceptor engineered specifically to counter jet-powered attack drones fielded amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the trial results following a report from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi, noting that the new system successfully hit a Shahed drone during tests on September 15, 2026.

Engineers and developers are still fine-tuning specific components of the interceptor’s control system.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that active development remains underway and additional time will be required before the aerial defense system reaches full operational readiness.

"I am grateful to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for a thorough approach to operational support. Together with Yevhen Khmara and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we defined the following priority goals, the necessary volume of assets for this, and preparation measures. The results of the long-range impact on the Russian oil foundation of the war are significant enough, and this is precisely what adds the necessary potential to diplomacy," Zelenskyy said.

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War in Ukraine

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Previously, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported that the LITAVR interceptor drone, developed by the Ukrainian company F-Drones, was designed primarily to intercept aerial targets and could reach speeds of up to 350 km/h.

Development began in the fall of 2024, and by the following summer, the drone passed testing, received codification, and entered serial production. Its main feature was an automatic terminal guidance system that tracked targets independently once the operator locked them for engagement.

Equipped with daytime and thermal imaging cameras alongside a navigation system independent of GPS, the drone operated at altitudes of up to 9 kilometers, with one unit recording a flight that extended over 80 kilometers from its launch point.

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