The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has formally authorized the domestically developed Shvidun UAS for operational use, marking another step in the country’s ongoing effort to expand its counter-drone capabilities.
Designed specifically as an interceptor platform, the system is intended to target a range of aerial threats, including one-way attack drones such as Shahed-136, Geran and Gerbera, as well as reconnaissance UAVs like Zala, Supercam and Skat.
Designed for high-speed interception
According to released specifications, the Shvidun system weighs approximately 8 kg and features a wingspan of nearly two meters. It is capable of operating at altitudes up to 6 km and reaching speeds exceeding 250 km/h.
With a stated operational range of more than 70 km and endurance of over two hours, the platform is designed to provide persistent coverage over urban areas and critical infrastructure.
The system incorporates composite materials and design features intended to reduce airframe vibration at high speeds, allowing for stable video transmission to operators during intercept missions.
Despite its high-speed performance, the drone is also designed with relatively low takeoff and landing speeds, enabling recovery and reuse if a target is not engaged.
Initial units have already been deployed, with Ukrainian officials stating the system is currently involved in protecting cities.
The Shvidun platform is reported to have achieved a high interception rate against Shahed-type drones among domestically produced systems, with approximately 100 enemy drones destroyed to date using the system.
These claims could not be independently verified.
Expanding interceptor drone capabilities
The introduction of Shvidun builds on Ukraine’s focus on fielding low-cost interceptor drones, including the JEDI Shahed Hunter system, following extensive success with such systems against Russian drones.
Interceptor drones are increasingly being used to complement traditional air defense systems, offering a lower-cost method of engaging large numbers of incoming drones.
Scaling such capabilities is a stated priority under Ukraine’s wider war planning, which aims to detect all aerial threats in real time and intercept the vast majority of incoming missiles and drones.
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Post Image Credit: Ukraine MoD
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