Ukraine begins mass production of domestic interceptor drones as Russian attacks intensify

Ukraine has begun large-scale production of its newly developed interceptor drones to bolster its air defences, the country’s defence ministry announced on Friday.

As the conflict with Russia nears its fourth year, cities and towns far from the frontline continue to face near-daily attacks involving hundreds of Russian drones. Ukrainian officials said the latest assault included 430 drones.

According to the ministry, the first three manufacturers have already launched production, while another 11 are preparing to establish their own production lines.

The new drones are built on a domestically developed technology known as “Octopus.” The ministry said this system, designed to intercept Shahed drones, has been tested in combat and demonstrated its effectiveness “at night, under jamming, and at low altitudes.”

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the goal was to manufacture up to 1,000 of the interceptors a day.

Russia is investing heavily in long-range drones and has been steadily increasing the number of drones it uses in a single strike on Ukraine.

Interceptor drones, which cost a few thousand dollars each, are also important for Ukraine as it can save its more expensive missiles for faster, deadlier cruise and ballistic threats.

With inputs from agencies