Tech
Cheap drones flip the economics of air defense
Ukraine’s drones revolutionise air defence, intercepting threats cheaply while altering warfare economics amid ongoing Russian assaults
Ukraine’s drones revolutionise air defence, intercepting threats cheaply while altering warfare economics amid ongoing Russian assaults
– Ukraine increased drone production to 950 daily, intercepting 1,500 enemy drones recently during ongoing Russian attacks.
– New interceptors, costing $1,000-$5,000, highlight a shift in defence economics, with 68% success rates reported.
Ukraine has significantly increased production of low-cost interceptor drones, reaching almost 950 units daily. This surge comes as Russian attacks persist, targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The drones, costing around $1,000 each, have successfully downed over 1,500 enemy drones recently, preserving more expensive missiles for higher threats.On December 21-22, Russian forces launched 86 attack drones, and Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 58 of them. This attack pattern has escalated throughout 2025, with Russia deploying about 5,500 Shahed-type drones monthly against Ukraine.
The interceptors evolved from prototypes to mass production within months in 2025, marking a significant shift in modern warfare. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry collaborates with over 10 manufacturers producing drones designed to counter Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles.
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The Sting, developed by the volunteer initiative Wild Hornets, illustrates this advancement. Resembling a flying thermos and built on a 17-inch frame, the quadcopter can reach speeds of 315 kilometers per hour and engage targets from 25 kilometers away. Operators control the drones using virtual reality goggles, impacting enemy aircraft mid-flight.
“Every destroyed target is something that did not hit our homes or power plants,” said a commander with the call sign Loi.
The financial aspects favour defenders, reversing traditional air defence economics. Ukrainian interceptors range from $1,000 to $5,000, while Russian Shahed drones cost around $35,000. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that the success rate for interceptor drones is currently 68 percent.
“Cheap interceptor drones have become critical, warranting their status as a cornerstone of modern counter-unmanned aerial systems,” stated defense analyst Federico Borsari. NATO has observed successful Sting demonstrations, while the European Union plans a “drone wall” along its eastern border, expected to be operational by late 2027.
