Ukraine developing low-cost missiles to shoot down Shahed drones – defence minister

Ukraine is developing low-cost interceptor missiles to counter Shahed-type attack UAVs and has already begun testing some solutions.

Source: Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov

Quote: "Following the president's instruction, we are now focused on creating cheap missiles to shoot down Shahed drones. We have already found solutions that are close to ready and have begun testing them."

Details: According to Fedorov, Ukraine plans to scale up production of such missiles "dozens of times" and build up reserves for the autumn and winter period.

"We want to scale up and reduce the cost of interceptor missiles in order to prepare for the emergence of jet-powered Shahed drones. This will help additionally protect critical infrastructure alongside interceptor drones," he said.

Fedorov added that the state is issuing grants, scaling up production and relaunching recruitment for engineering teams to support the effort.

He also said the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine continues to work according to the Air-Land-Economy vision: protecting the skies, stopping the enemy on the ground and maximally exhausting Russia's economy.

Background:

• Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said that Russia is focusing on producing long-range jet-powered drones and plans to increase their share to 50% of all Shahed-type UAVs.
• Earlier reports also said that Ukraine is introducing a new level of "small" air defence, allowing interceptor drones to be controlled from a distance of 1,000 kilometres, with more than 10 manufacturers already integrating the solution into their systems.

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