The Ukrainian workshop known as Wild Hornets is developing a new drone named "Sting", specifically designed to intercept and destroy Russian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones. This initiative aims to enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities against a high volume of drone attacks targeting Ukrainian cities.
Key Features of the Sting Drone
- High Speed and Altitude: Capable of flying at speeds over 160 km/h and reaching altitudes of approximately 3,000 meters.
- Design: A classic quadcopter with a prominent central dome housing a warhead and camera.
- Operation: Piloted from the ground using VR goggles, allowing operators precise control and real-time visuals.
- Future Enhancements: Plans to integrate an artificial intelligence targeting system to improve efficiency in engaging enemy targets.
Purpose and Advantages
- Cost-Effective Defense: The Sting drone's average cost is ten times lower than that of the Shahed drones, providing a more economical solution for interception.
- Strategic Targeting: Specifically engineered to pursue and neutralize Shahed-136 drones, supplementing conventional air defense systems.
- Supporting Air Defense: Addresses the challenges faced by Ukraine's air defense units, which are stretched thin due to the frequency and volume of drone attacks.
Context of Drone Warfare
- Russian Drone Production: Russia reportedly produces over 6,000 Shahed drones annually at the Yelabuga plant in Tatarstan, deploying 30 to 80 drones daily toward Ukrainian targets.
- Ukrainian Innovations: Prior drones have been used to intercept Russian Orlan and Zala reconnaissance drones. The Sting represents the first Ukrainian drone tailored to counter the Shahed threat.
- Formation of Unmanned Systems Forces: Earlier this year, Ukraine established the world's first military branch dedicated to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reflecting the growing significance of drone technology in modern warfare.
Call for Public Support
The Wild Hornets emphasize the need for additional funding to mass-produce the Sting drones. Ihor Lachenkov, a Ukrainian influencer with over 1.5 million followers on Telegram, is actively assisting in fundraising efforts.
"To support the capabilities of Ukrainian manufacturers, we aim to involve as many people as possible in fundraising," Lachenkov stated. "It's crucial to back the Ukrainian forces developing FPV drones through donations, especially as adversaries enhance their capacities with support from allied states."
