---
title: "Ignat: Ukrainian Crews Test Jet Interceptor Drones in Combat"
description: "The Ukrainian military is combat-testing new jet interceptor drones capable of reaching up to 800 km/h. They are cheaper than enemy drones and utilize Starlink terminals."
date: 2026-10-26T11:40:20.631Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ignat-ukrainian-crews-test-jet-interceptor-drones
tags: [air-defense, drones, ukraine, starlink, military-tech, yurii-ihnat]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ignat: Ukrainian Crews Test Jet Interceptor Drones in Combat

![Head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force Command Yurii Ihnat at a briefing](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/26/ignat-ukrainskie-ekipazhy-testiruyut-reaktivnye-drony/ignat-ukrainskie-ekipazhy-testiruyut-reaktivnye-drony-1.webp)

## Key Points

- The Ukrainian military is conducting combat tests of jet interceptor drones
- Starlink terminals are used to ensure stable high-speed control
- The interceptor must reach around 800 km/h to destroy targets flying at 400 km/h
- The main advantage is economic efficiency compared to expensive missiles and strike UAVs

The Ukrainian military has begun combat testing new jet interceptor drones designed to destroy enemy unmanned aerial vehicles. This was announced by the head of communications for the Air Force Command, Yurii Ihnat, during a podcast with RBC-Ukraine.

### Combat Testing and Technical Features

According to Yurii Ihnat, developers and the military are already deploying the new vehicles in real-world conditions. To ensure stable communication and high-speed control, the drones use Starlink terminals, allowing for efficient flight management.

The Air Force spokesman noted that the best Ukrainian crews are not just testing the equipment, but successfully carrying out combat interception missions. During testing, manufacturers work closely with military personnel who provide training grounds and target route data.

### Speed and Economic Efficiency

Technical requirements for the new interceptors are driven by the speed of aerial threats. While enemy jet drones fly at speeds of around 400 kilometers per hour, the Ukrainian interceptor must reach speeds of roughly 800 kilometers per hour.

The primary advantage of the new system is its cost-effectiveness. The interceptor being developed costs significantly less than enemy jet strike drones, making it a profitable alternative to expensive anti-aircraft missiles.

### Elements of Layered Air Defense

The Air Force Command deploys various assets to repel attacks depending on the operational situation and geographical features. Fighter aviation, anti-aircraft missile systems, and MANPADS crews are integrated into the defense system.

Electronic warfare stations provide additional protection by successfully jamming a significant portion of enemy drones. At the same time, weather conditions such as fog impact the operation of visual detection and interception channels for aerial targets.

### Significance of Introducing New Interceptors

The emergence of jet interceptor drones marks an important step in adapting Ukraine's air defense to new technological challenges. Scaling the production and combat deployment of such systems will reduce the load on traditional anti-aircraft missile complexes and ensure infrastructure protection at minimal cost.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Игнат: наши лучшие экипажи тестируют перехватчики реактивных дронов в боевых условиях](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/ignat-nashi-krashchi-ekipazhi-testuyut-perehoplyuvachi-1793014701.html) - The RBC-Ukraine source article confirms all statements by Yurii Ihnat regarding the testing of new jet interceptor drones.

## FAQ

### What speed must the new Ukrainian interceptors reach?

The new jet interceptor drones must reach a speed of about 800 kilometers per hour to intercept targets flying at around 400 km/h.

### What technologies are used for drone communication?

Starlink terminals are used to ensure the required speed and stability of the control system.

### Who is conducting the testing of the new interception tools?

Combat testing is conducted by top Ukrainian crews in close cooperation with manufacturers and technical specialists.