Ukraine builds low-cost Sky Fortress to detect Russian Shahed drones

Journalist Christian Caryl highlights the innovation in a recent Foreign Policy article about how Ukraine is adapting to Russia’s full-scale invasion by leveraging speed, creativity, and technological flexibility.

In the fall of 2022, Ukraine faced a new threat as Russia began launching Shahed drones, which were difficult to detect using conventional radar. But two Ukrainian engineers devised a rapid solution.

“Today, the country is covered by a network of 9,500 microphones mounted on six-foot poles,” Caryl writes. “These microphones, connected to mobile phones, track Shaheds by sound and send the data to a central system, which calculates their trajectory.”

The information is then transmitted to Ukrainian forces tasked with shooting down the drones. According to Caryl, each microphone pole costs less than $500, making the entire Sky Fortress system cheaper than a pair of Patriot missiles.

In an earlier interview with NV, military expert and aviation historian Mykhailo Zhirohov explained how Russia has been modifying its Shahed drones and shifting its tactics—and how Ukraine is responding.

According to Zhirohov, earlier Shahed variants carried 50-kilogram warheads, but newer versions now carry up to 90 kilograms, reducing their flight range in exchange for greater payload. Instead of flying 1,500 kilometers, they now typically reach 200–500 kilometers.

Zhirohov also noted that Shahed engines have been upgraded, significantly altering their sound profile. While earlier models flew at 180–200 km/h, modern versions can reach speeds of up to 230–260 km/h.