Ukraine receives its first ‘drone wall’ system
REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Developed by a Western company, the first “drone wall” air defense system will be deployed in Ukraine in a matter of weeks, Business Insider reported on Nov. 12.
The report cites a statement from the founder of Atreyd, the company behind the system. The founder, who wished to remain anonymous, described the system as a "flying minefield" consisting of dozens of small drones. According to him, Atreyd has already sent the system to Ukraine, anticipating it will become operational later this month.
The deployment of the drone wall will mark the first application of this air defense paradigm, offering Ukraine an additional layer of protection against escalating Russian airstrikes. Initially, the system will be used to protect cities and critical infrastructure from Russian kamikaze UAVs but could later be moved closer to the front lines for defense against guided aerial bombs, which are notoriously difficult to intercept, Business Insider reported.
NATO launched a special contest in March 2025 for Ukrainian and Western defense companies to present solutions for countering attacks by swarms of cheap drones. Atreyd's concept made it to the finals.
The core of the design is a computerized, AI-assisted system that unites various quantities of small FPV (first-person view) drones, coordinating their flights to intercept incoming threats. The defensive drone swarm launches from preposition platforms as soon as hostile targets are picked up by radar. These drones carry small explosive charges and can be positioned in multiple layers and at varying distances, according to the report.
After launch, these drones form a curtain in the sky, designed to neutralize aerial attacks through detonations near enemy aircraft.
In Ukraine, the system could protect cities, energy infrastructure, and other civilian sites from regular Russian Shahed attacks. The founder of Atreyd did not disclose the specific locations in Ukraine where the drone wall will be deployed, citing security concerns. However, he noted that the system will be permanently located within Ukraine and can be quickly grown by interfacing with domestically manufactured interceptor UAVs.
The report states that Atreyd has already secured a contract with at least one NATO member for its proprietary launch platforms and UAVs. The company has set up production lines in France and Ukraine and plans to expand to the United States soon.
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