Ukraine Tests Jet Drone for Air Target Interception

Ukrainian developers have demonstrated flight tests of the Bullet unmanned aerial vehicle system, a jet-powered drone specifically engineered to intercept enemy reconnaissance and attack drones and helicopters.

Footage released by the developers shows an experimental airplane-type drone taking off from a concrete pavement, executing flight maneuvers, and then landing. Telemetry data from the test indicates that the drone reached a speed of approximately 130 km/h during its flight. While this speed is insufficient for intercepting air targets, the use of a jet engine suggests that the actual maximum speed can be significantly higher, reports Military Journal Telegram channel.

The drone is equipped with a camera similar to those found in FPV drones. The complete system, which includes a ground control station and five aircraft, is reported to cost UAH 5.8 million ($140,000).

In April 2024, Ukrainian media reported on the introduction of a Ukrainian barrage munition capable of striking targets at an operational and tactical depth of over 100 kilometers. This drone, powered by an electric motor, can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h and is designed to intercept Russian Orlan-10, Zala, and Lancet UAVs.

While full-fledged models of anti-aircraft drones are still under testing, Ukrainian engineers have adapted common FPV copters for these tasks. The Ukrainian military has employed these drones on a large scale, bringing initial results on the battlefield and in the rear as early as early summer. In recent months, Ukrainian drones have destroyed several Russian reconnaissance aircraft in the air, including the ZALA, Orlan-10, and even the Lancet loitering munition.