Ukraine downs Shahed with interceptor drone from surface platform for first time
Russian Shahed UAV moments before being hit by Ukrainian interceptor drone (Photo: Video screenshot / Unmanned Systems Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces / Telegram)
Ukrainian forces said they shot down a Russian Shahed drone for the first time using an interceptor drone launched from a surface platform, the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said on Apr. 19.
It said the interception of the enemy attack drone was carried out by operators of a division of unmanned surface systems within the 412th Nemesis Brigade.
“This marks a new level of integration between maritime and aerial unmanned capabilities,” the Unmanned Systems Forces said.
They also emphasized that the use of surface carriers to deploy interceptor drones expands capabilities to counter aerial threats and creates an additional layer of protection for Ukrainian cities.
In March, Ihor Fedirko, executive director of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, said on Radio NV that production of Ukrainian interceptor drones currently exceeds the needs of the Defense Forces by two to three times.
“Specifically regarding interceptors, Ukraine’s security and defense forces can clearly understand how many are needed in the near term, as we understand the enemy’s production capacity for systems such as Shahed and the scale of their attacks in recent years. We study all of this, collect data and determine how many we need,” Fedirko said in an interview with Radio NV.
He also said that as of January 2026, Ukrainian arms manufacturers were producing 80% to 90% of the interceptor drones needed by the Defense Forces, but output has significantly increased over the past two months.
On April 17, drone manufacturer Wild Hornets said it had set a new record for the control range of its Sting interceptor drone.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
