Yaryi M1 by Sky Defenders: a Ukrainian fixed-wing interceptor drone

The fixed-wing interceptor drone Yaryi M1 developed by the Ukrainian company Sky Defenders has been codified and is now available on the state marketplace Brave1. Both variants of the UAV — the daytime and night-time versions — have been approved for use by Ukraine’s Security and Defence Forces. Defender Media spoke to the manufacturer to find out what makes this aircraft distinctive.

The development and testing of Yaryi took about a year. It is a high-speed interceptor equipped with either a day or night camera, designed to engage both reconnaissance UAVs, such as ZALA, SuperCam and Orlan, as well as Shahed kamikaze drones.

The Yaryi M1 has a cruising speed of 170 km/h and a maximum speed of 262 km/h, can remain airborne for up to 40 minutes, cover distances of up to 70 km and operate at altitudes of up to 5,000 metres. Its tactical operating radius is 35 km, and its payload capacity is 930 grams.

The warhead weighs 730 g and has a high-explosive fragmentation effect, ensuring effective target engagement within a radius of up to three metres. The design allows attacks from any direction, and the warhead can be initiated either on impact or in the air.

The navigation system is based on Skyline and supports positioning and return using beacons. The drone is launched from a catapult or bungee launcher and is powered by an electric motor, with flight preparation taking around 5 minutes.

The daytime version of Yaryi is priced at UAH 93,000, while the night version costs UAH 115,000. The manufacturer can adjust the configuration to meet the needs of specific units.

Sky Defenders was founded in 2024 by an active combat UAV pilot. The first drones were built in field workshops and were called Vyrii; later, with support from partners and benefactors, the company acquired modern equipment, scaled up production and rebranded.

Sky Defenders is currently developing UAVs with machine-gun armament, a drone fighter, and a jet-powered fixed-wing drone.