“The Defense Forces have for the first time shot down a Russian Sokol-I anti-aircraft drone. Pilots from the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Kosh Otaman Kost Hordiienko downed the new Russian drone using a General Cherry AIR interceptor. Russia developed the Sokol drone to counter Ukrainian strike and reconnaissance UAVs,” the company said.
The company said just one month passed between the presentation of the Russian drone and its first confirmed interception by Ukrainian forces.
Russia says the Sokol can fly at speeds of up to 150 kph (93 mph) and at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Its airframe is made of foam, while its warhead is either equipped with a proximity fuse or designed for kinetic impact, effectively allowing it to ram targets.
In a press release obtained by Interfax-Ukraine, the company said the successful interception of the Sokol-I confirms the effectiveness of Ukrainian interceptor drones against both strike and reconnaissance UAVs, as well as newly developed specialized Russian drones.
The company added that General Cherry AIR interceptor drones have already proven effective against Russia’s mass-produced Molniya drones. According to the DELTA battlefield awareness system, they account for 44% of all confirmed Molniya drone interceptions.
According to the company, these results demonstrate the potential of frontline interceptor drones in countering evolving Russian UAV threats.
On June 22, Russia struck one of the production facilities of Ukrainian drone developer General Cherry.
“We were prepared for this scenario because we understand the reality in which we operate. Equipment and machinery can be replaced, but people cannot. That is why we are grateful that all of our employees are safe,” the company’s press service said.
The company said drone production has continued despite the Russian attacks.
“This is war. We were prepared for events like this. The enemy will not stop us. On the contrary, we continue working around the clock at full capacity so we can respond as quickly and as forcefully as possible,” company founder Yaroslav Hryshyn said.