WIY Drones demonstrates autonomous air target interception system

Ukrainian company WIY Drones has presented an autonomous air target interception system designed to automate take-off, GPS-denied navigation, transit to the interception sector, target recognition, and terminal guidance.

The system receives air target track data through integration with the SkyMap architecture, which aggregates input from radar suites and other detection sensors. Once mission execution is authorized, the interceptor launches automatically and calculates an optimal flight trajectory to the designated engagement sector.

To operate in satellite-denied environments, the platform relies on SineLink technology, which determines the UAV’s position via a ground-based beacon network. A motor-driven directional ground antenna automatically tracks the interceptor with 360° rotation capabilities to sustain line-of-sight communication links during flight.

Upon reaching the designated sector, onboard artificial intelligence algorithms execute target acquisition, lock-on, and tracking. Thermal imaging guidance executes terminal-phase engagement.

Target engagement currently requires human-in-the-loop validation: the operator confirms target identity and manually triggers warhead detonation. WIY Drones notes that automated warhead detonation has completed internal testing and undergoes final software optimization.

The platform is engineered to interface with radar stations, third-party interceptors, and air defense command-and-control nodes. WIY Drones also states it is integrating external target detection feeds available in Ukraine while collaborating with European defense partners, including Polish radar manufacturers.

WIY Drones develops and manufactures uncrewed systems, including interceptor drones, reconnaissance and strike UAVs, ground control stations, software suites, and communications gear. Last month, the integration of the SINE.LINK positioning architecture onto Strila interceptor platforms was officially disclosed.