Ukrainian startup’s Sting drones offer cheap, fast counter to Shahed UAVs

Defense Express reported the information. 

In a significant development for Ukraine's defense capabilities, the local company Wild Hornets has announced that its new Sting interceptor drones have successfully destroyed 600 Russian attack UAVs in less than five months. This new technology represents a formidable and relatively inexpensive countermeasure to long-range threats like the Iranian-designed Shahed drones frequently used by Russian forces.

According to Alex Roslin, the head of Wild Hornets, who spoke with the Financial Times, the Sting system has proven its value on the battlefield since its deployment by the Ukrainian Defense Forces earlier this year. The company claims an impressive success rate of up to 90%, though this often requires deploying three interceptors for each enemy target to ensure a successful takedown.

Even with a multi-drone approach, the financial advantage is stark. With each Sting interceptor costing around $2,100, the total expense to neutralize a single enemy drone is approximately $6,300, a figure significantly lower than traditional air defense missile systems. While this cost doesn't include associated expenses like operator training and target detection systems, the interceptor drones are carving out a crucial niche in Ukraine's layered air defense network. Recognizing their impact, Wild Hornets is now moving to dramatically expand the production of these high-speed drones, which can reach speeds of over 315 km/h (approx. 195 mph).