American AIRO Group and Ukraine’s Bullet form joint venture to produce high-speed interceptor drones

The American company AIRO Group Holdings and Ukraine’s Bullet (Degree-Trans LLC) have signed a letter of intent to form a 50/50 joint venture to produce high-speed interceptor drones for the needs of the United States, NATO countries and Ukraine.

The agreement foresees transferring combat-proven Ukrainian technologies to Western production capacities. The project aims to create an interceptor capable of countering loitering munitions at an optimal cost for defence planners.

The declared specifications of the drone are a speed of up to 450 km/h, a range of about 200 km and a modular payload from 2.5 to 9 kg, which correspond to current counter-UAS requirements. A definitive agreement is expected in roughly 60 days, after which production will be established in the United States and Ukraine for deliveries to allied customers.

Bullet interceptors have already been used in combat. AIRO will provide programme management, certification pathways and access to US supply chains. The joint venture intends to seek contracts with US government entities, NATO and allied defence ministries, coordinating technical requirements with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence.

If AIRO certifies production in the United States, this will avoid export frictions on critical components and unlock funding tied to domestic manufacturing. If the agreement is finalised on schedule and production clears US and NATO qualification milestones, deliveries could begin in short order.

Recently, Defender Media reported that the American company Auterion has developed a self-guided analogue of the Shahed. A Ukrainian company took part in the development.