SkyForce develops platform for automated interception of high-speed aerial targets

Ukrainian defence company SkyForce developed SFERA, a system that automates the control and coordination of interceptor drones. The team is testing automated interception algorithms, including those designed to engage high-speed and jet-powered targets, the company told Defender Media.

The platform combines a control system, optical navigation and autonomous interception technologies. It aims to create a versatile solution that can integrate with various unmanned platforms and interceptors.

According to the company, SFERA lets an operator select a drone to intercept a target, while the drone is automatically controlled throughout the mission. The operator can abort the interception mid-flight, after which the drone will land automatically in a safe area.

The platform allows operators to add new unmanned aircraft, configure their launch parameters, and select interception scenarios based on the target’s characteristics.

The system is undergoing field testing. It supports several interceptor types that can be deployed at different locations, independent of the control centre. Communications are established via radio or a TCP connection over the internet, including Starlink.

During testing, the team is refining interception algorithms based on the “one sortie, one target” principle. To improve reliability, the team can deploy two interceptors against a target: a primary drone and a backup that duplicates its actions if something goes wrong.

The company also announced an optical navigation technology that operates without a satellite connection.