Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on November 14, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleUkraine begins mass production of interceptor drones to enhance air defence, using 'Octopus' technology to counter Russian threats.
KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine has started mass production of its new domestically developed interceptor drones to strengthen air defences, the Ukrainian defence ministry said on Friday.
As the war with Russia approaches the four-year mark, Ukrainian cities and towns far from the frontline are under nearly daily assault from hundreds of Russian drones.
In the latest attack on Ukraine, 430 drones were used, Ukrainian officials said.
The ministry said that the first three manufacturers have already started production, and 11 more were preparing to set up production lines.
The drones would be based on a domestically developed technology called 'Octopus". The ministry said the technology to intercept Shahed drones was tested in combat and proved that it was working "at night, under jamming, and at low altitudes."
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that the goal was to manufacture up to 1,000 of the interceptors a day.
Russia is investing heavily in long-range drones and has been steadily increasing the number of drones it uses in a single strike on Ukraine.
Interceptor drones, which cost a few thousand dollars each, are also important for Ukraine as it can save its more expensive missiles for faster, deadlier cruise and ballistic threats.
(Reporting by Olena Harmash, Editing by William Maclean)
An interceptor drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle designed to detect and neutralize threats, such as enemy drones, enhancing air defense capabilities.
Military technology refers to the tools, machines, and systems developed for use in warfare and defense, including weapons, vehicles, and communication systems.
Air defense is a set of strategies and systems designed to protect a country or area from aerial threats, including enemy aircraft and missiles.
Domestic production refers to the manufacturing of goods within a country's borders, contributing to local economies and reducing reliance on imports.
Military strategy is the planning and execution of operations to achieve specific objectives in warfare, including the deployment of forces and resources.
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