P1-SUN Long: SkyFall Presents New AI Interceptor for Target Detection at Up to 1 km

Ukrainian defense technology company SkyFall has presented the P1-SUN Long, a new version of its interceptor drone featuring an integrated AI module for autonomous target detection and engagement.

The presentation took place at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, Militarnyi’s correspondent reported.

The company shared that the P1-SUN Long is a step toward creating a fully autonomous interception system for Shahed-type targets. SkyFall’s R&D team developed the acquisition and guidance system.

“The AI model allows the interceptor to detect and capture enemy targets faster than the human eye,” the company said in a comment to Militarnyi.

Depending on the type of optics, the system locks onto targets at distances of up to 1 kilometer. The AI module detects, tracks, and maintains target lock, allowing the operator to act faster and more accurately even in complex combat conditions.

The company noted that the P1-SUN Long AI module runs on a standard CPU and does not require graphics processors (GPUs). This enables more stable production even amid shortages of specialized AI hardware.

In addition, SkyFall has implemented a remote software update system for the P1-SUN Long, allowing neural network algorithms to be improved remotely.

“You do not need to transfer the drone to the company to update the AI model. This can be done remotely, where the crew is,” a company representative noted.

The model was trained using data from real combat use of P1-SUN interceptors, simulations, and a proprietary target emulator replicating the thermal signature of Shahed-type drones.

“P1-SUN Long has been combat-tested, is already being used on the front lines, and has dozens of confirmed Shahed interceptions,” SkyFall said. “The integration of AI has made it faster, more accurate, and more suitable for mass deployment.”

P1-SUN Long is also integrated with SkyFall’s remote control system, allowing operation from any location with a stable internet connection.

“The integration of the AI module for intercepting air threats is a logical continuation of these capabilities and part of the company’s strategic direction to create autonomous unmanned systems (swarms) of a new generation. The ultimate goal is to form a unified ecosystem in which all SkyFall drones will be able to independently detect, identify, and engage targets. Video data and telemetry accumulated over the years are used to continuously improve recognition, navigation, and guidance algorithms, increasing system efficiency with each new mission,” SkyFall said.

The day before, SkyFall and European aerospace company Airbus Defence and Space signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a strategic partnership.

The main goal of the partnership is to strengthen protection of the airspace of Ukraine and European countries against large-scale drone and missile attacks.