Ukraine Unveils AI-Powered P1-SUN Long Drone That Spots Shaheds Faster Than Human Operators

Ukraine’s defense technology company SkyFall has unveiled a new version of its P1-SUN drone interceptor equipped with an artificial intelligence module designed to autonomously detect, track, and engage aerial targets, the company announced during the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris.

According to SkyFall, the new interceptor, designated P1-SUN Long, has already undergone combat testing and is currently being used by Ukrainian forces. The company says the system has recorded dozens of confirmed interceptions of Russian Shahed-type attack drones.

The system was presented at Eurosatory 2026, the world’s leading defense and security exhibition, where SkyFall described the platform as a step toward a fully autonomous air defense system capable of countering large-scale drone attacks.

The core upgrade is an AI-based terminal guidance system developed by SkyFall’s research and development team. Depending on the optical configuration, the AI guidance system can detect and lock onto aerial targets at distances of up to one kilometer.

“The AI model enables the interceptor to detect and lock onto enemy targets faster than the human eye,” the company said during the exhibition.

The company also noted that the software runs on standard Central Processing Unit та Graphics Processing Unit (GPUs), which are often required for AI applications and can be difficult to procure in large quantities.

The system includes remote software update capabilities, allowing operators to deploy new neural network models and algorithm improvements without returning the interceptor to the manufacturer.

SkyFall said its AI algorithms were trained using data collected from real combat missions, simulations, and a proprietary platform designed to replicate the thermal signature of Shahed drones. The company added that additional training data was obtained through cooperation with partners.

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The P1-SUN Long interceptor is also integrated with SkyFall’s remote-control infrastructure, allowing operators to manage the platform from any location with a stable internet connection.

According to the company, the long-term objective is to create a unified ecosystem of autonomous unmanned systems capable of independently detecting, identifying, and engaging targets. SkyFall said accumulated flight footage and telemetry data are continuously used to improve navigation, recognition, and targeting algorithms.

The unveiling comes days after SkyFall and Airbus Defence and Space signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing a strategic partnership focused on strengthening protection against drone and missile attacks in Ukraine and Europe.

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