They are among the Russian weapons most feared by Ukraine. Shahed drones, of Iranian design, are massively used on the Ukrainian front. In an interview in Bloomberg, a strategic business advisor in Zelensky, confirms to strengthen the production of effective weapons against these drones.
A battle on the ground but Especially in the sky between Ukrainians and Russians. And among the most effective drones, Shahed, of Iranian design and used by Russia, are the most feared by the Ukrainian defense. The army thus seeks a way to intercept them and neutralize them in a more effective way. Thus, according to Bloombergthe country is currently developing a generation of drones designed to identify and shoot them down.
According to Oleksandr Kamyshyn, advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries, Ukraine would increase its production of weapons capable of destroying these drones.
“We are also heading for drone interceptors“
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On Sunday, June 1, Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Russian air bases with damage estimated at 7 billion euros according to Zelensky. An attack that Russian russian rippled the following night with 110 suicide bomber drones that killed two people. An escalation of war in the sky that pushes kyiv innovated in his drone armaments.
Volodymyr Zelensky recently explained to have “Now planes to shoot drones”. “We are also heading for drone interceptors”added the Ukrainian president, also trying to obtain aid of $ 30 billion from the allies.
Inexpensive and very effective shahed drones
These famous Shahed drones are inexpensive and widely used equipment by the Russian army. They clearly threaten the infrastructure that is both military and Ukrainian civilians. Thus, for their part, companies working for Ukraine seek to develop models capable of intercepting these Shahed drones.
One of these companies, Origin Robotics, based in Latvia, will send interceptor drones on the front in June in the form of tests. “As soon as it approaches a target enough, an warhead explodes and the target is affected by a fragmentation”declares his CEO, Agris Kipurs.
A less expensive and much more effective solution than the rudimentary alternative used so far by kyiv: the use of soldiers with machine guns on a truck. According to the American site, Ukraine has undergone more than 20,000 long -distance drone attacks since the start of the conflict.
Drone Wars Heat Up: Ukraine’s Race too Neutralize Russian Shahed Drones – An Expert’s Perspective
time.news: the war in Ukraine has taken to the skies, with Iranian-designed Shahed drones posing a significant threat.we’re joined today by Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading expert in drone warfare and defense technologies, to discuss ukraine’s efforts to counter this aerial challenge. Dr. Reed,thank you for being with us.
Dr. Evelyn Reed: It’s a pleasure to be here.
time.news: The article highlights Ukraine’s concern over the Shahed drones and their initiative to develop “drone interceptors.” Can you elaborate on the strategic importance of this development? what makes the Shahed such a formidable weapon?
Dr. Evelyn reed: The Shahed drones,frequently enough referred to as “suicide drones,” present a complex problem. Their relatively low cost and mass deployment capabilities make them a cost-effective weapon for Russia. As the article mentions, they threaten critical infrastructure, both military and civilian. Intercepting them is vital for Ukraine’s defense,not just on the front lines but also for protecting its cities and power grids. Ukraine’s initiative to develop drone interceptors is a clear sign that they are taking this aerial threat extremely seriously. They need to take control of the Ukrainian sky right now.
Time.news: The article mentions Oleksandr Kamyshyn, advisor to the ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries, stating that Ukraine aims to increase weapon production capable of destroying these drones. What are some potential technologies or strategies Ukraine might employ in these “drone hunter” programs?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: There are several approaches Ukraine could pursue. The article mentions drone interceptors are developed by companies like Origin Robotics, it is an approach. Also, enhancing existing air defense systems with specialized sensors and targeting algorithms optimized for drone detection is also a very good approach. Another aspect is jamming technology, which can disrupt drone communications.It is indeed crucial to explore electronic warfare capabilities to disable these threats remotely. Developing swarms of counter-drones, that can act autonomously or semi-autonomously to intercept is a very fascinating solution.
Time.news: The piece mentions a recent drone attack on Russian air bases and retaliatory strikes by Russia using Shahed drones.Is this escalation a sign of a longer-term trend in modern warfare?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Absolutely. We are witnessing an increasing reliance on drone warfare, and this conflict is a stark illustration. Drones offer tactical advantages, such as reconnaissance, targeted strikes, and the ability to saturate enemy defenses. The cycle of attack and counter-attack with drones is likely to persist, turning the skies into another crucial battleground. The Ukrainian conflict may become a case study of the use of drones in future wars.
Time.news: The article contrasts the existing method of using soldiers with machine guns as a “rudimentary choice” against the more sophisticated drone interceptors. What are the limitations of conventional anti-air methods in the context of these drone threats?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Traditional methods suffer from several drawbacks when dealing with drones. They are frequently enough less accurate, especially against smaller, agile targets. Also,the reaction time of a soldier compared to an automatic drone system is much slower.Moreover, the sheer volume of drones can overwhelm conventional air defenses. Using soldiers with machine guns is better than letting the drones strike, but it involves placing personnel in harm’s way, especially if there is not an effective air strategy.
Time.news: The CEO of Origin Robotics, Agris Kipurs, describes their interceptor drones as exploding upon approach to the target, affecting it with fragmentation. Is this an effective method, and what are the possible downsides?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: The fragmentation warhead approach is a common method for intercepting aerial targets.The advantage is that it creates a wide area of effect, increasing the likelihood of hitting the target. However, a downside is the potential for collateral damage if the drones are intercepted over populated areas. The reliability of their systems also remains to be seen. As they are just testing,many variables remain to be defined.
Time.news: the article also mentions that Ukraine is seeking $30 billion in aid from allies. How crucial is international support for Ukraine’s drone defense efforts?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: International support is critical. Developing and deploying advanced drone defense systems demands massive financial resources. aid could be used to procure advanced technologies,train personnel,and ramp up domestic production. Aid might prove crucial for Ukraine to effectively counter the present drone threat.
Time.news: What advice would you give to our readers who are interested in understanding the future of warfare and these emerging drone technologies?
Dr. evelyn Reed: Pay attention to developments in artificial intelligence and sensor fusion. These technologies are transforming drone capabilities and defense strategies. Also, keep an eye on the regulatory landscape and ethical considerations surrounding autonomous weapons systems. never underestimate the human element in warfare. Technology is only as effective as the peopel who employ it.
Time.news: Dr.Reed, thank you for your insights. It’s been incredibly informative..
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Thank you for having me.
