Ukrainian defense industry has unveiled a new unmanned complex, ZIRKA, specifically developed to combat Shahed-type attack drones. The new interceptor is capable of automatically detecting and destroying high-speed aerial targets, making it an effective tool in the conditions of modern drone warfare.

Development Based on Real Combat Experience

The project was implemented by the company NOCTIS with investment support and expert assistance from Vyriy Industries. A key feature of the development was the use of practical experience from the Darknode anti-Shahed battalion — a unit that has already proven its effectiveness in countering enemy unmanned aerial vehicles.

The team of engineers and programmers behind ZIRKA has direct experience in countering aerial threats. This allowed them to create a system focused on intercepting fast and maneuverable targets, which previously posed a serious problem for air defense systems.

Affordable Price and High Efficiency

One of the main advantages of ZIRKA is its cost — up to $2,000 per unit. According to the manufacturer, this is the lowest price among interceptors with an automatic detection and homing system. This price range makes the complex accessible for mass deployment and scaling.

The company NOCTIS is fully responsible for interception technologies, software, automation, as well as sales and technical support of the product. In turn, Vyriy Industries acts as an investor and expertise partner, helping to scale production.

Future Plans: ZIRKA 2.0

The next stage of platform development will be the release of the ZIRKA 2.0 modification. NOCTIS Development Director Alexey Komlichenko reported that the updated version will include:

  • Automatic deployment of the interceptor into the target detection zone;
  • Enhanced thermal imaging optics for detecting enemy drones at distances up to 2 km;
  • Improved detection and homing algorithms;
  • Additional communication solutions;
  • A system for automatic detonation of the warhead upon reaching the target.

These improvements will make the interception maximally autonomous and safe for combat crews.

Context: The Technological Race in Ukraine

According to Vyriy Industries CEO Alexey Babenko, the Ukrainian market needs more strong teams and quality products to win this technological race. Earlier, in June, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine approved another domestic unmanned complex for operation — "TALION", which can operate both as an interceptor of enemy UAVs and as an attack kamikaze aircraft.

The emergence of ZIRKA confirms that Ukraine is actively developing its own solutions in the field of unmanned systems, relying on real combat experience and modern technologies.