9 out of 10 Shaheds Shot Down in Ukraine Attributed to Interceptors Backed by Former Google CEO – Report

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is backing the production of drones used in Ukraine, including systems designed to intercept Russian Shahed drones, Ekonomichna Pravda reports.

According to the publication, Schmidt is involved in the development of three types of drones. The specific models are not disclosed for security reasons.

These reportedly include interceptor drones – medium-range strike UAVs, and FPV kamikaze drones – most frequently used against Shaheds. All systems are said to incorporate AI and modern unmanned technologies.

The media notes that most sources interviewed consider Schmidt-backed interceptors to be among the most effective countermeasures against Russian drones.

“They show high accuracy in detecting targets in the night sky. Around 90% of Shaheds shot down by drones are attributed to these systems,” the report claims.

A representative of one Ukrainian brigade shared with Ekonomichna Pravda that Schmidt’s kamikaze drones include a proprietary communication system resistant to Russian electronic warfare. The drones use artificial intelligence to identify and destroy targets and have performed well in combat, he said.

In early July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Swift Beat — a company backed by Schmidt — had signed an agreement with the Ukrainian government on the joint production of drones, including Shahed interceptors and long-range systems.

The agreement includes the creation of several joint ventures between Ukrainian manufacturers and Swift Beat, with the goal of supplying hundreds of thousands of drones in 2025.

“This is a co-production agreement between Ukraine and the United States. There will be several initiatives focused on various drone types. But the key element is the timeline: hundreds of thousands this year, and more next year,” Zelensky reported.

Zelensky stressed that the primary focus of the agreement is the production of interceptor drones, which have already proven effective on the battlefield.

Little is known publicly about Swift Beat’s products. However, its website states that the company develops autonomous systems. It may also transfer technologies related to automation, satellite-free navigation, or software for tracking and targeting drones.