Polish Firm Unveils Hit-to-Kill Anti-Drone System

Poland's Advanced Protection Systems (APS) has unveiled an autonomous intervention drone capable of neutralizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through a hit-to-kill mechanism.

The interceptor drone is a component of APS's broader anti-drone platform, SKYctrl. This system integrates radar technologies, neutralizers, and command-and-control software to detect, track, and eliminate hostile UAVs. By employing machine learning algorithms, SKYctrl can differentiate between non-threatening objects, such as birds, and drones, providing real-time updates.

The drone is also designed for civilian applications, including use in airports and other sensitive locations. Unlike traditional counter-drone systems, it does not carry explosives, allowing for safe operations without risking damage to surrounding infrastructure or electronic systems.

According to APS CEO Maciej Klemm, the increasing use of UAVs in military conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, influenced the development of the system. Klemm noted that autonomous intervention drones are intended to reduce the workload of human operators while enhancing security measures.