APUS: Ukrainian Shahed interceptor with an operational range of up to 50 km

Ukrainian company Dark River has announced a demonstration of its APUS interceptor, a fixed-wing UAV designed to neutralise Shahed-type loitering munitions and reconnaissance drones. Defender Media has compiled what is known about the UAV.

The APUS features a cruising speed of 140 km/h, a maximum speed of 320 km/h, and a tactical operational radius of up to 50 km. With a flight endurance of up to 50 minutes, the aircraft can carry a payload of up to 1.5 kg and is launched via catapult.

The system utilises a digital video link and a daylight camera, supporting autonomous GPS-independent navigation alongside an option for manual control. A two-person crew is sufficient for deployment, and the system can be made combat-ready in less than five minutes. Its stated operational ceiling reaches up to 4,500 m.

The APUS can receive real-time target coordinates from radars or other surveillance networks. Targets are engaged either through kinetic impact or via an integrated warhead module. If a mission is aborted or a target is not found, the aircraft is programmed to return to the launch area, with self-destruction available as an optional setting.

The system is currently being prepared for codification, and its price on the state marketplace Brave1 Market is UAH 140,000. According to the manufacturer, the APUS-1 is already deployed with 10 military units.

Defender Media previously reported on the codification of the 17-inch FPV drone developed by Wild Hornets.