Ukrainian drone operators from the 414th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Aerial Systems, known as “Birds of the Magyar,” have shot down 33 Russian reconnaissance drones in the Kursk-Belgorod sector over four days, the brigade commander reported.

In a video posted on his Telegram and YouTube channels, the commander, known as Madyar, said the Russian military invests heavily in aerial reconnaissance to maintain situational awareness and intelligence gathering.

Among the drones downed were 17 Zala 421s, 14 Supercam S350s, one Tachyon, and a rare and costly Merlin-VR.

“And we are only beginning the operation,” Madyar said, noting that Ukrainian forces used aircraft-type drones to intercept enemy UAVs.

According to him, 100 of these interceptor drones cost approximately UAH 25 million ($625,000), or around UAH 250,000 ($6,000) per unit.

He added that this drone model is not yet officially in service.

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have reportedly been using undisclosed advanced system to intercept Russian Shahed-136 (Geran-2) kamikaze drones.

According to USF, an interceptor drone costing about $5,000 was recently used to take down a Russian Shahed-136, which is valued at over $150,000.

While details remain classified, reports suggest the interceptors could be high-speed drones of either fixed-wing or quadcopter design.

The YouTube channel PRESSING previously showed footage of Ukrainian drones intercepting Russian Shaheds, though the drone itself was not revealed.

It was also reported that the Defense Forces of Ukraine have started using a new type of interceptor drone.
Images show it featuring a cross-shaped rear wing and a forward-positioned wing with vertical stabilizers.

Upon closer inspection, it can be seen that the horizontal and vertical rudders are located in the front part, while the rear wings are used exclusively for stabilization without the ability to control.

The drone is powered by a three-blade propeller mounted at the rear. Insulating tape appears to be used to secure unidentified components, possibly a camera or warhead, and the presence of a specialized guidance system cannot be ruled out.