Russia Develops High-Speed Vertical Takeoff Interceptor Drone

Moscow-based engineers have developed a high-speed vertical takeoff interceptor drone to support air defenses against large-scale attacks by enemy unmanned aerial vehicles, as per the People’s Front’s Kulibin Club.

A company representative said the interceptor carries an explosive charge that is activated automatically and uses entirely Russian-made software. “As you know, aircraft-type drones — both reconnaissance and attack UAVs that also fly towards civilian facilities — pose a major problem today. An interceptor drone is designed to intercept these UAVs, thus easing the burden on air defenses and increasing the efficiency of strikes on enemy targets,” the representative was quoted as saying by TASS.

The firm said initial batches numbering in the hundreds have been produced for trials and that preparations are under way for serial production. The interceptor’s onboard systems use domestic machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate using target acquisition data out to about 10–15 km. The company said the system guides itself to designated targets, attempts to close with them and destroy them, and that the software is designed to learn and improve over time.

The Kulibin Club selects, tests and supports serial production of innovations by Russian engineers. The initiative has previously assisted delivery of electronic warfare (EW) systems, quadcopter drones and robotic carts to frontline units.