Ukraine's defense ecosystem has taken another step forward as the Bullet interceptor drone, developed by General Cherry, has successfully passed codification and is now officially approved for use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The decision formalizes the model that will enter serial supply and confirms Bullet system's role in countering russia's growing fleet of long-range attack UAVs.
According to the published specifications, the Bullet interceptor can reach speeds of up to 310 km/h, engage targets at a distance of up to 20 kilometers, and operate at altitudes of up to six kilometers. These performance figures clearly position the system as a countermeasure to Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones, which russia continues to launch in large numbers against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
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The path toward codification was not without controversy. Earlier, a public dispute erupted between Ukrainian manufacturers of anti-drone systems, after Wild Hornets accused General Cherry of plagiarizing their designs due to a visual resemblance between prototypes.
In response, General Cherry clarified that the Bullet program included several different configurations tested by the military. The company had distributed multiple variants to more than 20 units at its own expense, allowing soldiers to evaluate the systems under real operational conditions. Based on this broad testing effort, a final model was selected for codification, one that, as seen today, differs notably from the version accused of being copied.
This development may ease tensions within Ukraine's emerging anti-drone industry. A clearly chosen and officially approved design helps establish technological boundaries and could reduce the likelihood of further industrial conflict, while also accelerating production and deployment.
The Bullet system first came to public attention in October 2025, when reports surfaced that Ukrainian forces were testing a dedicated interceptor drone for Shahed-type threats. Within weeks, video evidence showed successful interceptions of russian Shahed-131/136 strike UAVs. These demonstrations confirmed that Ukrainian industry was rapidly adapting to one of the most persistent challenges of the war.
To achieve effective interceptions, the system uses specialized aerodynamic solutions and software incorporating a terminal guidance system. This allows the UAV to adjust its trajectory during the final approach and physically destroy the target drone, a capability increasingly vital in defending against mass night-time attacks.
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