Soldiers of the Ukrainian Defense Forces shot down the Russian ZALA 421-16E reconnaissance UAV using an FPV drone.

The corresponding video was published by military columnist Yigal Levin in his telegram channel.

In the video, a Ukrainian FPV drone can be seen catching up with a Russian flying wing-type drone, after which communication is lost.

Judging by the fact that communication with the FPV was cut short at a short distance to the ZALA, it can be assumed that the Ukrainian drone had an aerial detonation function. Neither the date nor the exact location of the event were disclosed.

This is not the first time that a Ukrainian FPV drone has intercepted Russian drones.

In February, Militarnyi reported that the soldiers of the ‘Ajax’ unmanned strike systems unit of the 126th Territorial Defense Brigade intercepted a flying Russian strike drone using FPV.

Interception of drones by other drones is a relatively new and promising direction in the development of air defense.

Unlike classic anti-aircraft missiles, interceptor drones have less purchase and operational cost, can perform tasks patrolling a given square, and can be reusable in the future.

In early April, it was reported that Brave1 was looking for developers of an effective interceptor to destroy Russian reconnaissance drones.

To this end, Ukraine is looking for engineers who are able to create Russian drones’ interceptor.

This technology should help fight Russian drones without wasting missiles from Ukraine’s air defense systems.

The Brave1 expects readiness to demonstrate the destruction of the target on:

• speeds of 100 – 150 km/h;
• altitude 1500 m.

The interceptor must be able to retrieve target information from the detection system. On-board systems should be installed to detect, capture, and escort the target.

According to the final task, the interceptor should be pointed at the target to ensure defeat.