Ukraine and the USA initiate mass production of high-speed ‘Shahad’ intercept drone systems for defense
Ukraine, in partnership with the United States, is launching a large-scale project to serially produce advanced high-speed and long-range intercept drones called ‘Shahads,’ which are set to significantly impact the defense strategies of both nations.
Ukrainian company Bullet and American firm AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.
have officially signed a letter of intent, laying the groundwork for future joint manufacturing of next-generation technological systems.
According to AIRO’s press release, this partnership will operate on an equal 50/50 shared responsibility basis.
Within the next two months, the parties plan to finalize all legal and technical agreements, after which cooperation with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense will commence, alongside the signing of contracts with the US Department of Defense, NATO allies, and other partners to fortify security and military readiness.
The drones produced by this enterprise are expected to reach speeds up to 450 km/h and have a flight range of up to 200 km, with a payload capacity ranging from 2.5 to 9 kg.
The focus also includes research and development of next-generation intercept and strike drones.
The unparalleled speed offers rapid response capabilities to aerial threats, and their proven combat effectiveness in Ukrainian operations challenges any illusions about their reliability.
Will this ‘drone shield’ become a tangible reality or remain an expensive illusion? Read more in Yurii Kas’yanov’s article ‘The Arithmetic of War: Why Cheap Intercept Drones Could Be Very Costly.’