Ukrainian Companies Present Interceptor Drones at Defence24 Days

Ukrainian companies presented new interceptor drones, Vertex and Bumblebee, in Poland.

Militarnyi’s correspondent reports on this from the Defence24 Days exhibition in Poland.

UMO, which represents UKRSPECSYSTEMS in Poland, presented the drones.

The larger Bumblebee interceptor is designed to operate at operational-strategic depth.

It reaches speeds of up to 350 km/h, has a range of up to 30 km, and a flight duration of 14 minutes. The operating altitude is up to 4 km.

The autonomous Bumblebee carries a 1.2 kg warhead and can detect targets at distances of up to 700 m.

“It closes gaps in the coverage of traditional air defense,” the developers said.

After detecting an air threat, data is received from one or more sources — radars, acoustic systems, or ground situational awareness systems.

The target is classified by azimuth, altitude, and speed. After verification, the unit commander authorizes the intercept.

The crew prepares and launches the UAV vertically. The operator, using optical systems, can acquire the target at up to 700 m and make manual corrections until impact.

After reaching the target, the Bumblebee interceptor detonates.

Vertex interceptor drone

UMO also presented a more economical interceptor model, previously known as Vertex, at the exhibition.

This smaller interceptor is equipped with a 500 g warhead.

It can remain airborne for up to 15 minutes and has a range of 7-10 km.

The drone’s airframe is made of carbon filament reinforced with fine carbon fibers.

This increases structural rigidity and reduces deformation.