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Ukraine Introduces New Mavik Interceptor Drones to Counter Russian Quadcopters.
As part of its defense against Russian reconnaissance drones, the Ukrainian military has begun using innovative technology with Mavik interceptors to neutralize enemy quadcopters on the battlefield. Footage of these interception operations, shared by the manufacturer Ptashka Drones on Telegram, illustrates how Ukrainian drones equipped with nets called netcomets effectively capture Russian devices in mid-air.
Image of Ptashka's drone equipped with a net and video screenshots showing the drone successfully neutralizing a Russian quadcopter (Picture source: Telegram Chanel of Ptashka Drone)
While Ukrainian forces focus on disabling tactical reconnaissance drones, neutralizing smaller quadcopters remains crucial. These smaller drones are widely used by Russian forces for adjusting artillery fire, conducting close-range reconnaissance, and occasionally dropping bombs. This threat necessitates an effective and targeted response.
To address this, Mavik interceptors equipped with nets are deployed. These drones intercept their targets by launching a net that entangles the adversary drone’s propellers, rendering it unable to fly. Once ensnared, the enemy drone can either fall to the ground or remain suspended for recovery by the interceptor. Ptashka Drones, one of the manufacturers of these systems, supplies the Ukrainian military with modular equipment that enables multiple interceptions, keeping operational costs low. Each interception costs approximately 1,200 hryvnias, the price of a single cartridge reload.
Using capture nets offers a logistical advantage. Weighing only 373 grams, these nets are lighter than an infantry grenade and can be installed on a range of drones, including Mavic, Autel, and FPV models commonly used in military applications. This system enables precise interceptions with minimal logistics, while also enhancing interceptor durability through reusability.
In parallel, Ptashka Drones is developing a single-shot interceptor pistol for infantry, aimed at providing personal defense against FPV attack drones. This individual weapon employs the same net technology, though designers face technical challenges, including balancing power, range, stability, recoil, and structural strength. Currently in the final stages of development and testing, this device is expected to be available soon for military trials.
Additionally, Ptashka Drones has recently introduced a system for tracking and intercepting FPV drones based on machine vision, allowing for automatic targeting of enemy drones in flight. This technological advancement strengthens Ukraine’s defenses by adding a sophisticated anti-drone capability.
Interceptions are not limited to merely neutralizing enemy drones; they also open the potential for capturing and reprogramming these devices for further use. These tools thus present new possibilities in electronic warfare and air superiority on the Ukrainian battlefield.
With the ongoing conflict, the rising use of FPV drones has dramatically reshaped warfare, as these devices cause extensive damage to military equipment and human lives alike. In response, both Ukrainian and Russian forces are developing various countermeasures. These include anti-drone rifles, electronic jamming, and simpler but effective solutions like nets to capture or neutralize these aerial threats.