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BackUkraine develops new jet-powered interceptors to counter Russian drones
Ukraine develops new jet-powered interceptors to counter Russian drones
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SCMP Economy1 hour agoDefense1 min readChina

Ukraine develops new jet-powered interceptors to counter Russian drones

Defence manufacturers scramble to build fast interceptors and AI guidance as Russian jet-powered drones target infrastructure in Kyiv.

dronesinterceptorskyiv

Quick Look

Ukrainian defence manufacturers are developing fast jet-powered interceptors and AI guidance systems to counter a new wave of Russian jet-powered drones targeting critical economic and energy infrastructure in Kyiv.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Russia is employing jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles against Ukrainian infrastructure.

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Russia’s new class of jet-powered drones rip across the night sky in Kyiv at hundreds of kilometres per hour, leaving Ukrainian air-defence units only moments to intercept them. It’s rarely enough time.

With many of the drones getting through to the capital, defence manufacturers are scrambling to develop a new generation of interceptors to counter the deadly threat. They are building their own jet propulsion systems and training artificial intelligence to help guide the chase.

They need to move fast because the Russian drones are driving a new tactic, ramped up in recent weeks, to hit the infrastructure keeping Ukraine’s war-battered economy afloat. Recent targets have included energy systems, key industries, railways, post offices, shopping centres, telecom networks, petrol stations and grain exports.

Russia also has an advantage with its ballistic missile arsenal, which poses another challenge as Ukraine runs low on interceptor missiles.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

  • Defence manufacturers will develop new interceptors and AI guidance.

    Likely · Within months

Open Questions

  • What is the timeline for deploying the new interceptors?
  • How will Ukraine address the shortage of interceptor missiles?

Related Topics

drones
PlacesKyivRussiaUkraine
Topicsinterceptorskyivrussiaukraineinfrastructureartificial intelligence
This article was originally published by SCMP Economy.

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