Ukrainian engineers are scrambling to develop A. I.-guided, jet-powered interceptors to stop Russian jet-powered Shahed drones threatening Kyiv. These fast drones outrace traditional defenses and have caused significant damage since their deployment this summer.
Ukrainian companies are testing interceptors in fields, with operators launching tiny stealth-bomber-shaped drones from catapults. The goal is to create low-cost alternatives to expensive F-16 missiles, as Ukraine down 60% of jet Shaheds using $1 million missiles each. Nearly two dozen Ukrainian drone makers aim to deploy affordable interceptors by late 2024. "The faster I make it work, the more peacefully I will sleep in Kyiv," said Ihor, a designer at F-Drones, highlighting the urgent need for effective defense solutions.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing