Kathrine Frich
A Ukrainian-built interceptor drone has set a new benchmark on the battlefield, according to figures released this week.
The platform, known as the General Chereshnya AIR, logged hundreds of successful engagements in a single month.
Its developers say the drone is now one of the most effective tools in Ukraine’s evolving air-defence system.
Rising interception tally
United24 Media reported that the General Chereshnya AIR destroyed 548 Russian drones in October alone.
The manufacturer, part of the NAUDI defence ecosystem, confirmed the tally.
Analysts note that the figure reflects only one model within a wide assortment of Ukrainian interception platforms.
Even so, it has become a core component of Ukraine’s layered drone-defence network.
The system was originally created to take down Russian reconnaissance aircraft and reduce Moscow’s ability to locate and coordinate strikes.
Expanding battlefield roles
Engineers later modified the platform to identify and destroy decoy aircraft such as Russia’s Herbera, which is used to mislead Ukrainian operators.
Its ability to counter both recon drones and traps has made it increasingly valuable along the front.
The aircraft has a range of up to 22 kilometres and can climb to roughly 5 kilometres. It reaches speeds of 200 km/h and carries a payload of up to 1.2 kilograms.
A daylight or thermal camera, digital communication link, and target detection capability of around 1.5 kilometres round out its standard equipment.
New model enters production
The developer announced that a second interceptor, known as the Bullet, has now entered mass production.
Built specifically to chase down Shahed-type drones, it can reportedly reach speeds of up to 309 km/h.
Ukrainian officials argue that these types of systems are vital in the current phase of the war. Mobile and comparatively low-cost interceptors allow frontline units to respond quickly to recurring waves of Russian UAVs.
Defence specialists say these drones form an increasingly important layer of protection as Russia continues to rely on unmanned aircraft for surveillance and attacks.
The broadened use of interceptors helps reduce pressure on Ukraine’s traditional air-defence stocks.
Sources: United24 Media, WP
