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KYIV — New video footage released by Ukrainian military sources shows a small, unmanned interceptor drone — armed with what appears to be a modified shotgun — chasing down and destroying a Russian First-Person View (FPV) attack drone in mid‑air, marking a significant evolution in the low‑altitude air war.
The roughly 30‑second clip, filmed by the interceptor’s onboard camera, shows a Ukrainian drone maneuvering aggressively behind a Russian FPV, closing to within a few meters before firing a single shotgun blast that shatters the enemy drone and sends it spiraling to the ground.
A Ukrainian drone operator told the AFP that the interceptor’s unique feature is its ability to distinguish friend from foe, preventing fratricide in the increasingly crowded skies: “Our interceptor is programmed to identify Russian FPVs by their unique electronic signature and shape, so we don’t accidentally shoot down our own drones” .
🛸 How It Works: A Cheap Drone Killer
The interceptor is a purpose‑built quadcopter, likely carrying a lightweight, semi‑automatic shotgun with a modified stock and trigger mechanism. The drone is designed to operate as a “lone hunter,” scanning for Russian FPVs that are used to target tanks, artillery pieces, and infantry positions along the 1,200‑kilometer front line.
Key features of the system as reported:
- Autonomous target recognition – The drone can identify Russian FPVs by their unique electronic signature and shape
- Kamikaze alternative – Unlike interceptor drones that destroy themselves by ramming the target, the shotgun‑armed version is reusable, making it far more cost‑effective
- Close‑range lethality – The shotgun’s spread pattern at close range compensates for the drone‘s unstable flight and the evasive maneuvers of the target
Military analysts suggest the interceptor is built around a commercial drone frame, fitted with a purpose‑built firing mechanism that triggers the shotgun when the target is within optimal range. The system effectively creates a “roving anti‑drone gun” that can be deployed hundreds of meters ahead of friendly lines to intercept incoming threats before they reach their targets .
💥 The FPV Threat
Russia has been mass‑producing FPV drones (estimated 200,000 to 400,000 units in 2025 alone) to attack Ukrainian armor and infantry. The low cost (approx. $400–$800 per unit) and high maneuverability of FPVs have made them one of the most effective weapons of the war, capable of destroying tanks worth millions of dollars .
Existing counter‑drone systems — such as electronic jammers, anti‑aircraft guns, and net‑firing drones — have proven expensive or unreliable . The shotgun‑armed interceptor addresses both issues, offering a relatively low‑cost, reusable solution that can be operated by a single soldier with a tablet controller .
🎯 A Game‑Changer for the Drone War
The footage is the first visual confirmation of a shotgun‑armed interceptor in operational use, though Ukrainian engineers have reportedly been testing such systems since 2024 .
Military analysts caution that the interceptor has limitations. Its range is limited by the drone’s battery life (likely 20‑30 minutes). It is less effective in poor weather (fog, rain, high winds). It also requires a direct line of sight to the target and cannot engage drones flying at very high altitudes (above 500 feet). However, most FPV attacks take place at low altitudes precisely so that the operator can maintain a video link, making them vulnerable to the interceptor .
European allies are watching the system’s performance closely. The German defense ministry has already signaled interest in a similar design for protecting bases and convoys, and NATO officials have requested a technical briefing from Ukrainian developers .
📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
- The Interceptor: A Ukrainian drone armed with a shotgun that can destroy Russian FPVs mid‑air.
- The Advantage: Unlike kamikaze interceptors, it is reusable, making it cheaper per kill.
- The Cost: The shotgun—drone combination is estimated at under $10,000 per unit, compared to $1 million+ for traditional anti‑drone systems.
- The Threat: Russia is producing up to 400,000 FPVs per year.
- The Limitation: Short range; limited by battery life and weather conditions.
- NATO Interest: Several allied nations have requested briefings on the system.
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