NATO develops new weapon for Ukraine to counter Shahed-type drones and guided aerial bombs

Contractors from NATO member states have developed new defence technology for Ukraine. Joint NATO-Ukraine structure JATEC now moves to the final testing stage.

Source: Colonel Valerii Vyshnevskyi, a senior Ukrainian representative at JATEC, speaking at NATO headquarters, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Vyshnevskyi said that earlier this year the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had approached the centre for assistance in developing technical solutions to counter guided aerial bombs (KABs) and fibre-optic-controlled drones. The greatest progress so far has been made in countering KABs.

Quote: "NATO has a tool called the '[NATO] Innovation Challenge'. We outlined a scenario showing how glide bombs are used and described the outcome we wanted to achieve, then invited companies to take part in the challenge. We received over 40 submissions, all from NATO-based companies. The jury, made up mainly of Ukrainian experts with frontline experience in combating these bombs, selected three finalists. All three companies had previously worked with Ukraine."

More details: The shortlisted solutions are based on interceptor drones and drone swarms, with artificial intelligence used for targeting.

Quote: "Although our initial focus was on countering guided aerial bombs, these systems have turned out to be extremely effective against Shahed-type drones and are already ready for deployment against them. They still require further refinement for use against KABs."

More details: Final tests are scheduled for next week at a range in France, although field trials in Ukraine against drones have already proven successful.

Quote: "During the trials in France, glide bombs will be launched alongside drones, and the interceptors will engage them. Based on the results, Ukraine will decide whether to adopt the technology and, through coalition mechanisms, secure funding for production." Vyshnevskyi added.

More details: Efforts to develop defences against fibre-optic drones are ongoing but have not yet progressed to the same degree of readiness.

The new systems may also attract interest from European countries. It was reported earlier that the European Commission plans to launch an EU-wide drone defence system by 2027, and it has already been agreed that this drone wall will extend beyond the EU's eastern border.

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