Ukraine’s Unique Air defence: interceptor Drones
Table of Contents
Ukraine has a unique air defence system – no other country in the world is relying on small single-use drones to defend its airspace. This innovation was born out of necessity and exemplifies the nature of modern warfare. Ukrainian interceptor drones are engaging Russian Geran-2s, Orlan-10s, Molnyas, and other drones, but also smaller targets.
Counterintuitively, small, slow drones are the most difficult to track. While mobile radar systems exist, the smallest quadcopters can be mistaken for birds. Their electric motors produce a weak thermal signature, and their agility makes visual detection challenging. Consequently,larger drones like Geran-2s and reconnaissance UAVs are easier to detect and intercept.
However, Ukrainian interceptor drones are now engaging Russian “Mavics”. The term “Mavic” is frequently enough used generically in Ukraine (and Russia) to refer to all small, unarmed drones, not exclusively DJI Mavic quadcopters.
these small drones are primarily used for battlefield reconnaissance, identifying enemy positions. Some modified “Mavics” can also drop small explosive charges, like hand grenades. Intercepting these drones is crucial to deny the enemy situational awareness.
Targets Intercepted by Ukrainian Drones
| drone Type | Primary Use | difficulty to Intercept |
|---|---|---|
| Geran-2 | Kamikaze Drone | Moderate |
| Orlan-10 | Reconnaissance | Moderate |
| Molnya | Reconnaissance/Electronic Warfare | Moderate |
| “Mavic” (Small Quadcopters) | Reconnaissance/Small Explosives | high |
