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Poland Develops Interceptor Missile to Counter Russian-Used Shahed-Class Drones.
During the first International Armaments Congress held from October 21-25 in Krakow, the Wojskowy Instytut Techniczny Uzbrojenia (WITU) unveiled an ambitious new initiative aimed at developing an economical defense solution against enemy drones, as reported by Defence24. At the center of this presentation was a concept for a low-cost anti-drone missile, specifically designed to intercept attack drones like those of the Shahed class, which have become a significant threat due to their extensive use in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This development represents a step forward for the Polish armed forces, seeking a viable solution to counter drone swarm attacks.
Ukrainian soldiers have discovered an almost completely intact Shahed-136, a kamikaze drone employed by the Russian military to strike critical infrastructure. (Picture source: Ukrainian Army)
The primary focus in designing this anti-drone missile is cost-effectiveness. WITU aims to produce an interceptor with a price comparable to that of Shahed attack drones, which Russia has deployed extensively against Ukraine. These drones are valued at approximately $193,000, a relatively affordable price for weapons of this type. In response, WITU proposes a 105 mm caliber munition, measuring 1800 mm in length with a wingspan of 328 mm. With a launch weight of about 20 kg, including a 4.2 kg warhead, this missile is designed to be lightweight and maneuverable.
Unlike conventional anti-air missiles, this Polish model is uniquely tailored for drone combat. It boasts an average speed of around 200 m/s, peaking at 250 m/s, making it a rapid yet moderately maneuverable interceptor. The missile’s specifications include an interception range of 0.5 to 15 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 1,500 meters, making it well-suited for effectively countering drone attacks within a defined area.
An intriguing aspect of the project is the choice of guidance method, which remains unspecified at this stage. However, it is possible that the missile may utilize reflected laser beam guidance, a technology already used in Polish anti-tank missile systems such as the JACK-S and Pirat complexes. This type of guidance would help keep costs down while ensuring sufficient accuracy for drone interception.
WITU’s initiative aligns with a broader goal of developing an economical and accessible system capable of meeting the growing demand for anti-drone defense. The designers emphasize that this missile is particularly suited for countering swarm attacks, an essential capability as drone swarm tactics continue to evolve. To realize this project, WITU is currently seeking an industrial partner to assist in finalizing and mass-producing the missile, prioritizing the needs of the Polish armed forces.
This project reflects a trend seen in recent years, where low-cost combat drones and interceptor missiles have become strategic assets in modern military arsenals. In 2021, the Ukrainian design bureau "LUCH" launched a project for the RK-10 anti-aircraft missile complex, specifically tailored for combating Shahed-type drones. Poland could thus benefit from a similar solution, optimized for its own strategic needs.
The development of a cost-effective anti-drone interceptor by the Wojskowy Instytut Techniczny Uzbrojenia (WITU) addresses the growing need to counter attack drones, such as those of the Shahed class, which are widely used in modern conflicts. These drones, often deployed in swarms, present significant challenges to traditional defense systems. A low-cost interceptor would allow for efficient neutralization of these threats, avoiding the need to deploy more expensive missiles against relatively low-cost targets. This approach is essential for maintaining sustainable air defense in the face of saturation attacks, where the cost-effectiveness of countermeasures becomes a critical factor.
Moreover, the specific design of this interceptor, with a range of 0.5 to 15 km and a maximum altitude of 1,500 meters, makes it particularly suited for neutralizing drones operating at low and medium altitudes. Its lightweight and maneuverable nature facilitates rapid and flexible deployment, offering a tailored response to emerging threats. Integrating laser-guided technology, already proven in other Polish systems, could ensure increased accuracy while keeping costs manageable. In this way, the interceptor provides a strategic advantage for the Polish armed forces, enhancing their capability to effectively protect national territory from hostile drone incursions.
To address the growing threat posed by Shahed-class drones used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Poland is seeking to develop a defense solution. This project meets a strategic need for an economical defense against these aerial threats, which, due to their numbers and low cost, often overwhelm conventional defense systems. With a range of 15 kilometers and potentially laser-based guidance, this missile could offer a sustainable and affordable solution for the Polish armed forces. Poland could also consider supporting Ukraine in protecting its airspace by providing such missiles, even as its Chief of General Staff recently announced that Poland will not shoot down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine.