#Drone Defense

Zelensky stated that testing of new interceptors for jet-powered Shaheds is underway at an accelerated pace, and the first stage of testing the Freyja system will soon begin. Kyiv is demanding joint production of air defense systems from its partners.

Kirill Lyukov, an expert from the Prytula Foundation, stated that more than 50 Ukrainian companies are already participating in private air defense, but full legalization requires legislative regulation of the handling of explosives and the training of civilians.

The UK Ministry of Defence launched the PANOPTES project on 2 September 2026 — an autonomous laser air defence system mounted on armoured vehicles to counter drone swarms. The first-stage budget is up to 5 million pounds, with work starting in November–December 2026.

Contra-Drone co-founder Tymofiy Yurkov explained how electronic warfare diverts real and fake drones without physically destroying them, and why the economics of war must remain in Ukraine's favor.

The US approved a $364 million contract for Italy for 5,031 APKWS II systems that turn ordinary rockets into "smart" counter-drone weapons. In parallel, Poland is purchasing thousands of "PIORUN" MANPADS.

🚀 Lockheed Martin turns 5G network into an anti-drone radar! The new NetSense system has been successfully tested in Miami. It uses Verizon signals to detect UAVs without special equipment. 🤝 NVIDIA, ODC, and Keysight participated in the development. 📅 Pilots start in the 2nd half of 2026. #LockheedMartin #5G #Drones #NetSense #Security

🇺🇸 The Pentagon signed a $400 million contract with AeroVironment for Locust laser systems. This is the first mass order for directed energy weapons. 🚀 Simultaneously, the 'Golden Dome' program is advancing — tests will conclude in 2026, with a demonstration in 2027. 🌍 Russia calls the system a threat to strategic stability. ⚠️ The El Paso incident highlighted risks: border guards shot down balloons, mistaking them for drones.