Drone Space Labs unveils the Zmiy fixed-wing interceptor UAV

Ukrainian company Drone Space Labs has featured the Zmiy unmanned aerial system on the Brave1 Market platform. The system is engineered to detect, track, and kinetically destroy UAVs within the short-range air defence (SHORAD) envelope.

The interceptor reaches a top speed of 270 km/h, features an operational radius of 30 km, and delivers a maximum flight range of up to 75 km. The Zmiy can operate at altitudes of up to 5,000 m.

In a comment to Defender Media, Drone Space Labs stated that its 270 km/h speed enables the interceptor to engage over 90% of aerial threats. According to the developer, most Russian reconnaissance UAVs — including the Orlan-10, Orlan-30, ZALA, and Supercam — operate at cruising speeds of 70–130 km/h, while strike UAVs and decoy drones fly at roughly 110–150 km/h.

Depending on the configuration, the UAV is equipped with an electro-optical payload featuring either a daylight or thermal night-vision camera. The stated target recognition range reaches up to 1,000 m. The platform carries a payload of up to 0.8 kg. The daylight variant is listed at UAH 35,000, while the night-capable configuration costs UAH 45,000.

According to the developers, the Zmiy is a newly designed platform that has already undergone field trials and is ready for combat deployment. The engineering team has been deployed alongside mobile air defence fire groups on operational duty, conducting patrols within their assigned sectors.

Drone Space Labs also noted that development is underway on an automated terminal guidance system (auto-tracker) for target acquisition and engagement, which is expected to significantly increase the interceptor’s kill probability.