Ukraine develops effective anti-drone tech but lacks funding - aviation expert

Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi, Deputy CEO of a company producing electronic warfare systems and aviation expert, stated this on Espreso TV.

“In Ukraine, there is inexpensive weaponry that allows us to fight against Russian drones. However, our enterprises are only operating at 40% capacity. In this context, let’s recall [ Ukrainian volunteer Serhiy] Sternenko’s statement that pilots still aren’t being trained to operate anti-drone interceptor drones,” Khrapchynskyi said.

The expert emphasized that despite some dependence on partners for certain weapons, Ukraine must focus on producing its own various types of arms.

“We spent a long time asking our partners for long-range weapons. Now, we’re already striking Russian territory with weapons of our own production. We are controlling the airspace with our strike drones. We need to understand one thing — we must produce our own weapons of various types. Of course, we still significantly rely on most high-tech solutions that allow us to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles. Nevertheless, Ukrainian companies are developing and advancing counter-drone technologies. In May 2023, my team proposed a comprehensive solution that included multiple interception methods, one of which was using cheap FPV drones capable of intercepting Shahed UAVs. We are currently testing a system where these drones, using AI and cameras, autonomously fly to the designated sector, detect aerial targets, and intercept them automatically. So yes, we have the weapons — but we don’t have enough funding to mass-produce them,” he added.