Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has approved a locally developed counter-drone system, Shvidun, for battlefield use.
The unmanned aerial system is already deployed with Ukrainian forces. Officials report that it has intercepted around 100 hostile drones, including Shahed loitering munitions.
The system was developed domestically by Ukrainian engineers. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense gave the green light for operational use. The Shvidun is now defending urban areas against sustained drone attacks.
Ukraine faces hundreds of enemy drones daily, including reconnaissance aircraft and explosive-laden Shaheds. Traditional air defense is expensive and limited. The country needs low-cost, rapidly deployable interceptors to fill the gaps.
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The Shvidun is a lightweight fixed-wing drone built from composite materials. It weighs about 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) and has a wingspan of nearly 2 meters (6.6 feet). The design reduces vibration at high speeds, keeping onboard cameras clear.
The interceptor flies at speeds above 250 kilometers per hour (155 mph). It can reach altitudes up to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). Its operational range exceeds 70 kilometers (43.5 miles), and it can stay airborne for more than two hours.
Ukrainian forces use the Shvidun to intercept loitering munitions and spy drones. It complements other locally made counter-drone platforms. The system is particularly effective against high-volume drone threats, according to Ukrainian officials.
The Shvidun is designed for interception, not for carrying heavy explosives. It relies on kinetic impact or other lightweight means to stop enemy drones. It also requires trained operators and launch equipment.
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This matters because Ukraine needs affordable, reusable solutions to counter cheap enemy drones. The Shvidun can take off and land at low speeds. If an interception is aborted, operators can recover and reuse the drone, reducing losses. This helps build layered air defense without breaking the budget.
