Ukraine’s Defence Ministry codifies first jet-powered Alexa Spatium interceptor drone

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has announced that the Defence Forces’ arsenal has been expanded to include the Alexa Spatium UAV, the first Ukrainian-made jet-powered interceptor. The manufacturer’s name has not yet been disclosed.

The Ministry of Defence describes Alexa Spatium as a high-speed jet aircraft developed by Ukrainian engineers specifically to destroy small aerial, ground and surface targets in real combat conditions. If the interceptor fails to complete its mission, it can return to its launch site for reuse.

The drone measures around 1.5 by 1.7 metres and can be launched from a mobile catapult within minutes. The Ministry of Defence has not disclosed the drone’s exact specifications, but says Alexa Spatium is equipped with a powerful turbojet engine and has a significant operational radius, high service ceiling and wide flight range.

The interceptor can operate using pre-programmed coordinates or in direct-guidance mode. It can carry different types of warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation, shaped-charge and thermobaric warheads. The aircraft is also equipped with thermal imaging, infrared targeting, and seeker systems.

The interceptor is primarily designed to engage Russian Geran-3, Geran-4, Geran-5 and Shahed kamikaze UAVs. The system can also be used against reconnaissance drones, helicopters and other individual targets.