Defence companies are accelerating efforts to develop a new generation of high-speed interceptor drones as Russia increasingly deploys jet-powered versions of its Shahed attack drones, posing a growing challenge to Ukraine's air defences.
At the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, Ukrainian drone manufacturer SkyFall unveiled its new P1-SUN Jetkiller, a faster interceptor designed to counter the latest Shahed variants.
According to the company, the drone can reach speeds of up to 370 km/h, compared with 310 km/h for its previous model.
Russia has increasingly used jet-powered Shahed drones, known domestically as the Geran, to strike targets deeper inside Ukraine.
Capable of flying at speeds of up to 500 km/h, the upgraded drones significantly reduce the time available for Ukrainian forces to detect and intercept incoming attacks.
SkyFall says development of the Jetkiller began three months ago and claims the drone has already been tested on the battlefield, where it has destroyed more than a dozen jet-powered Shaheds. The claims have not been independently verified.
The company plans to begin mass production in August and says its original P1-SUN interceptor has downed more than 5,500 Shahed drones since late 2025.
Other manufacturers are also working on faster interceptors: Ukrainian company General Cherry is developing an upgraded version of its Bullet drone, designed to exceed 400 km/h, with a long-term goal of reaching 500 km/h. Front-line testing is expected to begin in August before mass production starts in September.
Meanwhile, British-Ukrainian firm Firebolt Engineering has introduced its Griffen jet-powered interceptor, which currently reaches 350 km/h and has already recorded its first successful interception of a Russian Shahed drone.
The company is collaborating with UK-based Dynamic Propulsion on a more powerful engine expected to increase speeds to around 400 km/h.
While improving speed remains a priority, manufacturers say keeping production costs low is equally important, as Ukraine continues to rely on affordable, mass-produced systems to counter Russia's expanding drone campaign.
Türkiye's parliament has approved a two-year extension of the country's military deployment in Somalia, reinforcing deepening security ties between A...
The United States has bombed Iran for an 11th consecutive night as the Pentagon says the war’s cost reach $37.5 billion. President Donald Trump thr...
Tashkent attracted $4.3 billion in foreign direct investment and loans during the first half of 2026, reinforcing its position as Uzbekistan’s leadi...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 21st of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 22nd of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
President Donald Trump said the United States will target Iran’s heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain site “pretty soon” as he meets with Lebanese president Michel Aoun. Meanwhile, U.S. forces carried out a 10th consecutive night of strikes on Iran while Tehran continues to target Gulf countries.
Overnight U.S. strikes caused blackouts in southwestern Iran and hit the northwestern city of Tabriz for the first time. Separately, a U.S. soldier died in northern Iraq during a controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone.
The United States has bombed Iran for an 11th consecutive night as the Pentagon says the war’s cost reach $37.5 billion. President Donald Trump threatens a heavy strike on the suspected Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site. Tehran warns that any attack could trigger a wider regional escalation.
Daniel Siad, a modelling scout whose name appeared in documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been found dead at his home near Paris, French prosecutors said. He was 69.
Ukraine's new commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, takes charge at a pivotal stage of the war with Russia, facing mounting challenges including troop shortages, battlefield reform and the rapid evolution of drone warfare.
ASEAN foreign ministers opened the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila on 21 July, launching four days of talks that run until 24 July. The agenda includes South China Sea tensions, Myanmar’s conflict and growing U.S.-China rivalry.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has renewed calls for an immediate de-escalation and permanent ceasefire in the Middle East while she warned that the humanitarian situation had become "quite grave". Anand also raised concern over tensions in the South China Sea.
Pakistan has asked the U.S. for a $10 billion exchange stabilisation facility, according to a source briefed on the matter. If approved, the funding would bolster the country's foreign exchange reserves and provide a major boost to its cash-strapped economy.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment