Ukraine Develops Salyut Interceptor Drone Already Downing Shahed UAVs

A team of Ukrainian engineers has developed a new domestically produced Salyut interceptor drone.

The developers shared this with Militarnyi.

About two months passed from the start of work to the first successful interceptions of enemy drones. The initial targets were Gerbera drones, followed by Zala UAVs, and most recently, Shahed kamikaze drones.

According to the engineers, the system was developed based on real combat experience and in close cooperation with frontline units:

“After a month of work, the team went directly to the frontline to demonstrate the system to some of the most effective air defense units. They brought everything required: 3D printers, tools and even desktop computers.

During a week of work in a rented apartment near the frontline, the control board was almost completely redesigned in line with the military’s operational requirements. Since then, all requested improvements have been implemented within two weeks, while simpler changes are integrated within days,” the team said.

As a result, the design process incorporated real operational scenarios, including typical threats, target speeds, detection and engagement conditions, as well as requirements for simplicity and reliability in combat environments.

The developers also shared video footage showing personnel of the 47th Magura Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Sky Wars unit shooting down a Russian Shahed strike drone.

One of the key advantages cited is integration with the sine.link system and the availability of stable serial production.

Tactical and technical characteristics:

• Maximum speed: 320 km/h
• Cruising speed: 180–200 km/h
• Opto-electronic payload: low-light analog camera / thermal imaging camera
• Automatic target acquisition and tracking capability: yes
• Endurance: up to 20 minutes
• Maximum operating altitude: 6 km
• Combat radius: 20 km

The Salyut interceptor drone is listed on the Brave1 marketplace in a closed catalog accessible through registration in the Delta system.