Ukraine Unveils ZIRKA Interceptor Drone Built to Down Shaheds

Key Points:

• Two Ukrainian defense firms, Vyriy Industries and NOCTIS, have unveiled the ZIRKA interceptor drone designed to autonomously detect and neutralize Russian Shahed drones, with each unit costing up to $2,000.
• ZIRKA can fly at speeds over 340 km/h, reach altitudes up to 6 km, cover a 30 km operational radius, and remain airborne for 20 minutes, distinguishing itself with automatic target tracking and engagement.
• A follow-up model, ZIRKA 2.0, is in development featuring enhanced automated guidance, improved thermal imaging capable of tracking targets up to 2 km away, and an automatic proximity fuse for safer interceptions.
• Ukraine is also deploying other interceptor drones like the LITAVR, developed by F-Drones, which can reach speeds of 350 km/h and altitudes of 9 km, using an automatic terminal guidance system after target lock.
• Russian Shahed drones, originally Iranian-made loitering munitions costing around $20,000 each, have been used in large swarm attacks on Ukraine, with over 57,000 launched by March 2026; Russia has since attempted to replace Starlink satellite control with domestic alternatives amid new regulations.