Ukraine deploys new UAV, can intercept Russian helicopters

(CLO) According to a report from the Telegram channel UBLA Inform, Ukrainian defense forces are deploying a new type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to intercept Russian helicopters.

The channel shared a photo and short video of the device, suggesting the first time such a drone has appeared in Ukraine's arsenal.

The video, filmed at an undisclosed location, shows the drone designed to counter Russian helicopters or reconnaissance drones, either by crashing into them or remotely detonating them to destroy the target, although the attempt was unsuccessful.

Photo: UAV Inform

The emergence of this new technology highlights Ukraine’s continued efforts to improve and develop its defense strategy amid its conflict with Russia. The drone has a unique structure with a rear cruciform wing and a front wing equipped with vertical rudders. A three-bladed propeller at the tail of the aircraft provides thrust.

Analysts believe the design could be a kamikaze drone, designed to crash into a target and explode. UBLA Inform and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry have yet to release details about the drone's specifications.

Ukraine has increased its use of drones in the conflict, particularly to counter threats from Russian air power, including reconnaissance drones. Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, head of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, stressed that drones are changing the way Ukraine’s skies are defended.

The new interceptor is said to fit into Ukraine’s broader strategy to disrupt Russian intelligence gathering efforts, but the new efforts have been hampered by one of the attacks failing to destroy a Russian helicopter.

Ukraine’s development of interceptor drones is part of a broader defense strategy to counter Russia’s dramatic increase in drone use. Ukraine has produced more than 100,000 drones by 2024, most of them dedicated to countering airborne threats.

Ngoc Anh (according to Bulgarian Military, UBLA Inform)