Darknode Unit Shoots Down 100 Kamikaze Drones Using Interceptors – USF

Ukrainian forces have destroyed 100 Russian kamikaze drones using unmanned aerial interceptors, the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) said in a statement.

The interceptions were carried out by the Darknode unit of the 412th Nemesis Regiment and included 76 Shahed-136 (also known as Geran-2) drones and 24 drones of the Gerbera type.

According to the USF, this marks the first instance in modern military history where long-range strike drones have been systematically intercepted by other drones.

The USF highlighted the cost-efficiency of the approach, noting that while a traditional air defense missile can cost up to $1 million, an interceptor drone costs approximately $5,000.

“The unmanned systems forces are scaling up this capability to offset shortages in conventional air defense and to strengthen the protection of Ukrainian cities from Russian drone attacks,” the statement read.

On April 28, the same unit was reported to have downed 52 drones.

The formation of the Darknode unit was first announced in early April. The unit accepts both existing military personnel and volunteers who are willing to mobilize under contract.

Ukrainian Interceptor Drones

Ukraine officially unveiled its interceptor drone to the Belgian delegation in early April 2025, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

Developers say the drone has been actively used to intercept Shahed-type drones, having destroyed more than 20 in the last two months. It is also capable of targeting smaller threats, such as reconnaissance UAVs.

Although the full specifications remain classified, developers disclosed that the drone can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and fly at altitudes up to 5,000 meters.

Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, later said that the country’s defense industry has developed several models of interceptor drones to counter Shahed strikes.

One of the models underwent a month-long field trial in the Kyiv region and is now being rolled out to other parts of the country.