Chief-1 is a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle interceptor system designed to destroy enemy drones in the air. In June 2025, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine codified and admitted the system to service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defense website calls the drone a "hunter for enemy drones", but at the same time notes that the Chief-1 UAS can be used to defeat enemy manpower.
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The Chief-1 is equipped with cameras and sensors that transmit a video stream to the operator as well as to an artificial intelligence system in real time. Algorithms analyze the footage, recognize enemy drones and determine the optimal distance for the attack. After detecting the target, the drone flies to the desired distance and opens fire.
"Shots can be fired in manual or automatic mode. Chief-1 destroys enemy FPVs, bombers, individual models of spotter and reconacaince drones," Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense website says.
A feature of the Chief-1 UAS is its combat module. It is an "airial rifle" that fires shrapnel (small balls, - ed.). Shrapnel fire allows to destroy or seriously damage an enemy drone without resorting to electronic jamming or other methods.
"The Chief-1 has a light and durable frame, powerful engines, high maneuverability, as well as a successful design for air combat," the drone is described on the website of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
As Defense Express reported, ODIN Win_Hit Interceptor Drone Was Engaged Against Shahed-type UAVs. We also wrote, that Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Conducts First-Ever FPV Drone Strike from Boats at Sea.
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