Ukrainian company Varta unveils shotgun-equipped drone designed to bring down small drones
Varta, a Ukrainian company, has unveiled a modular hard-kill system for engaging aerial targets at close range.
Source: Maksym Dybenko, a Varta representative, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda during the Brave1 Components exhibition
Quote from Dybenko: "This modular firing system is purpose-built for the hard-kill destruction of drones. We use a 12-gauge anti-drone round of our own design and produce it in two versions, depending on the target type."
Details: Mounted on a drone, the system opens fire on enemy UAVs as soon as they close in. It can be attached to different platforms. Varta has built the module into more than 15 UAV models produced by various companies. More than 20 military units now operate the system.
Varta is also developing a sensor module and camera to enhance target detection accuracy before engagement. The team says field tests show the system detecting and recognising drones at roughly 126 metres.
"We are currently working on using AI to automatically calculate the distance and effective range of the target," the Varta team says. "Once the aircraft closes in on the target it is pursuing, it will open fire and destroy it."
One aim of the project is to cut dependence on pilot qualifications, as training first-person view drone operators takes time and significant resources. The team wants the aircraft to select the moment of firing autonomously, and for one pilot to control multiple aircraft simultaneously.
The firing system, initiation fuse, anti-drone ammunition and barrels are produced in Ukraine. The team is creating specialised versions for specific units, particularly for use against Russian Molniya and Lancet drones, where other barrel types and ammunition are required.
The starter kit, priced at UAH 12,900 (about US$305), includes 12 rounds, two barrels, mounts, an initiation board and mounting elements. Each shot costs €6 (about US$6.50), keeping the system affordable for a "one flight – one hit" scenario. The onboard module is expected to cost €500-800 (about US$540-860), depending on the chosen configuration.
The team is developing an advanced guidance module that will handle automatic detection, classification and calculation of the firing moment.
For reference: Varta began by making barrels for rifled and hunting weapons as well as assembling ammunition cartridges. The team has been engaged in countering Russian drones since February 2024.
Background: Ukrainska Pravda reported earlier that Ukrainian companies TFL and Odd System have developed a camera with an auto-guidance module designed to counter Shahed loitering munitions, which Russia uses in daily attacks on Ukraine.
Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!