Ukraine approves JEDI Shahed Hunter interceptor drone with 40 km range — Defense Ministry
As stated by the Ministry of Defense, JEDI Shahed Hunter receives data from radar stations in automatic mode (Photo: mod.gov.ua)
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said it has approved and cleared for use a domestically produced unmanned aerial system codenamed JEDI Shahed Hunter for military personnel, according to a statement published on its official website on March 23.
In addition, the Defense Ministry said the JEDI Shahed Hunter receives data from radar systems automatically, allowing it to enter the target area more quickly and engage targets promptly.
“Flight coordination, stable communication and targeting accuracy are ensured by a ground control station. The JEDI Shahed Hunter can automatically acquire and lock onto a target. It is also equipped with daytime and thermal imaging cameras, allowing it to operate both day and night. Thanks to its capabilities, this system can protect airspace from enemy drones within a radius of up to 40 km,” the ministry said.
On March 10, the Kyiv Independent, citing a source in Ukraine’s defense industry, reported that a Saudi company was preparing a deal to purchase Ukrainian interceptor drones.
According to the source, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine were in talks on a major arms supply agreement. Other sources told the publication that large-scale contracts between the governments of both countries were under discussion. One source said a “major deal” between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia could have been approved on March 11.
On March 13, representatives of the Ukrainian interceptor drone manufacturer Wild Hornets denied reports of negotiations with Gulf countries on supplying their products. However, the company confirmed it regularly receives inquiries from Middle Eastern and EU countries regarding potential exports of its Sting system.
On March 21, BBC Ukraine, citing sources, reported that Ukrainian interceptor drone manufacturers have already received dozens of commercial offers from Gulf and Middle Eastern countries. However, direct sales and purchases of drones remain blocked at the level of the Ukrainian state, they said.
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