Ukrainian border guards from the Pomsta Brigade are pioneering the use of interceptor drones to defend the skies from russia's growing aerial threat. These systems have become critical as hundreds of enemy aerial targets, including reconnaissance drones, operate over Ukraine every second, particularly in front-line areas.
Russian forces rely heavily on UAVs such as the ZALA, Supercam, and Orlan to monitor Ukrainian troop movements, spot military equipment, and locate critical infrastructure. These drones are the first link in a chain that often ends with missile strikes. By taking down or disabling these UAVs, Ukraine disrupts russia's ability to collect targeting data.
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The Pomsta Brigade was one of the first Ukrainian units to systematically use interceptor drones in combat. These UAVs are designed not to gather intelligence, but to actively pursue and neutralize enemy drones. This proactive countermeasure complements Ukraine's radar-based detection network.
The Brigade's tactic is based on tight coordination between radar operators and interceptor drone pilots. Once a hostile drone is spotted, radar teams provide precise coordinates to interceptor crews. These drones can then engage directly or guide FPV-drone operators who specialize in aerial takedowns.
Interceptor drones offer a fast, low-cost, and flexible alternative to traditional air defense systems, which can be too expensive or slow to target small UAVs. Their ability to hunt and collide with enemy drones mid-flight makes them an essential tool against russia's constant surveillance.
For over a year, the Pomsta Brigade has refined this approach, proving that small, specialized drone teams can significantly reduce the effectiveness of enemy reconnaissance. By breaking the enemy's "eyes in the sky", they disrupt the sequence of russian attacks and provide critical breathing room for ground forces.
Ukraine's experience shows that the future of air defense will be increasingly drone-centric. Interceptor UAVs, developed and deployed quickly on the battlefield, represent not just a defensive response but also a symbol of Ukraine's ability to innovate under fire.
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