Ukraine and its allies are developing and producing interceptor drones to combat Russian shaheeds.


Three Ukrainian companies are currently manufacturing these drones, which cost about $5,000, though some interceptors can be as inexpensive as $300 per unit, according to Oleksandr Kamyshin, an adviser to the Ukrainian president on strategic issues.
For comparison, the Russian-produced shaheed, known as the Geran-2, costs approximately $35,000. The operational principles of the interceptors vary; some are designed to explode near the enemy drone, while others require a direct hit. Russia aims to increase its drone production from the current rate of 100 to 500 drones per day. In response, Ukraine is enhancing its production of devices that effectively engage Russian drones on the outskirts of Kyiv and throughout the region.
Latvian drone interceptor manufacturer Origin Robotics plans to send drones, designed to detonate near enemy drones, to Ukraine in June for testing.
Skyfall, one of Ukraine’s largest drone manufacturers, is reconfiguring its popular FPV model for strikes against UAVs. The cost of the interceptor ranges from $300 to $500, depending on the configuration, and it can target reconnaissance and strike drones.