Brave1 has revealed how many Ukrainian companies are developing jet-powered interceptor drones

About 20 companies in Ukraine are currently working on jet-powered interceptor drones. All are at various stages of development, the state cluster Brave1 told Defender Media.

Focused work on high-speed and jet-powered interceptors has intensified in response to the Russians’ deployment of jet-powered Shaheds. According to presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, Ukraine was attacked by approximately 1,500 such drones in July, and more than 2,500 in August.

In addition to Shaheds, the Russians are also using, in particular, the Banderol – a missile-drone with a jet engine. The main difficulty in shooting down jet-powered drones is their maximum speed, which reaches 500–600 km/h.

Brave1 explains that existing copter-type drones cannot always catch up with such targets, which is why jet-powered interceptors are a necessary technological response. Although they cost more than copters, they remain cheaper than conventional anti-aircraft missiles. For example, the cost of the Griffen jet interceptor is around $10,000.

Among the existing drones, the Alexa Spatium is known – the first jet-powered interceptor codified by the Ministry of Defence in late August. In addition, former minister Mykhailo Fedorov published a video from the production of an interceptor that can reach speeds of up to 600 km/h.