Phantom Defense acquires net-launcher developer KARAKURT to integrate its technology into own ecosystem

Ukrainian defence technology company Phantom Defense has completed the acquisition of net-launcher developer KARAKURT. The deal includes the full acquisition of the business and its team, the company told Defender Media.

KARAKURT develops modules that physically intercept drones by deploying a net. Once launched, the net entangles the target’s rotors, preventing it from flying further. According to the company, this method intercepts drones without a kinetic impact.

KARAKURT modules are compatible with various platforms and can deploy nets either vertically downwards or forwards, with a system designed to retain the target.

According to Phantom Defense, Ukrainian military personnel have used more than 50,000 KARAKURT kits over the past six months. The company has received more than 5,000 video confirmations of successful interceptions using the net launchers and provides units with free replacements for consumables.

The acquisition will allow Phantom Defense to expand its counter-drone ecosystem. The company has already brought together electronic warfare systems, target detection and kinetic interception capabilities in an integrated system. The addition of KARAKURT will bring in solutions for capturing drones without the use of explosives.

In late September, Phantom Defense unveiled its own Mangal system, designed to intercept drones automatically at ranges of 5–15 metres. It can be installed on military vehicles, fixed positions and unmanned ground vehicles. Mangal uses artificial intelligence, a daylight camera and a thermal imaging camera to detect and identify aerial targets. According to the stated specifications, the time from detecting a threat to launching the net is one second.

Last week, it was reported that the Blade and Balaban unmanned aircraft, designed to intercept aerial targets and patrol territory, had received codification approval.