Ukrainian company develops new interceptor drone
Ukrainian defence company DeViRo has unveiled a prototype of its new Sokyra (Hatchet) interceptor drone, which has entered the final stage of testing.
Source: Militarnyi, a Ukrainian military news outlet
Details: The Sokyra interceptor was presented at the Protection of Infrastructure and Industry forum. The manufacturer said the new drone can reach speeds of up to 240km/h. DeViRo's head of marketing said Sokyra has an operational range of 45 km, can stay airborne for about 30 minutes and carries a 750 gram warhead.
Quote: "The interceptor will be as autonomous as possible. Launch is carried out from a pneumatic catapult which can be mounted on a pick-up truck. The software is the same as the one used in the Leleka reconnaissance UAV and the Bulava strike drone."
More details: The new interceptor uses an inertial navigation system and an autopilot. It has also been integrated with separate radar systems and software solutions that provide target designation. Sokyra also has a built-in self-destruct function.
DeViRo said the interceptor is fitted with a thermal imaging camera. Operators engage aerial assets using radar.
Quote: "We detect [the asset], press the Attack button and wait for the hit."
Background: DeViRo's Leleka-100 reconnaissance drones are being upgraded with technology to help it evade Russian interceptor UAVs. The company has also upgraded its Bulava loitering munition by increasing its range and the power of its warhead.
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