Ukraine Tests Last Shadow T200 Interceptor Drone, Exceeding Expected Range

Ukraine has tested a new interceptor drone capable of flying more than 120 kilometers (74 miles) as Kyiv seeks cheaper ways to destroy Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting its cities and front lines. The ‘Last Shadow T200’ reached 122 kilometers (76 miles) during recent combat trials, well beyond the 70-kilometer (43-mile) range originally expected, developer Ukrainska Bavovna told Ukrainian defense news outlet Militarnyi. JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The aircraft maintained a stable video link throughout the test, according to the company, potentially expanding the distance over which Ukrainian forces can operate the interceptor. The T200 is designed to defend cities and operate along the frontline against targets including Shahed and Geran attack drones, Gerbera decoys and Molniya drones, company representatives told Militarnyi. It has a stated top speed of 300 kilometers (186 miles) per hour, can operate at altitudes of up to 16,400 feet (4,999 meters) and can remain airborne for about an hour at cruising speed. Ukrainska Bavovna began developing the interceptor last year, and both the airframe and its warhead have been approved for use by Ukraine’s defense ministry. Anti-spoofing defense The aircraft is equipped with a movable camera designed to improve target detection. Its video system can also switch between channels and frequency bands to counter Shtora, a Russian system designed to disrupt or spoof drone video feeds. Other Topics of Interest Russian Strikes Devastate Metinvest’s Zaporizhstal Factory, Epicentr Mall in Zaporizhzhia Russian missile and drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia killed seven workers at Zaporizhstal and damaged the Epicentr shopping center in a residential district. Developers are also integrating an automatic terminal-guidance system that would allow an operator to lock onto a target before handing off the final stage of the interception to the drone. The airframe is produced using 3D printing, but the manufacturer plans to shift to casting within several months to improve durability and allow the aircraft to be reused after multiple landings. Leader in drone warfare Ukraine has rapidly expanded itsdomestic drone industry since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, developing everything from long-range strike machines to increasingly sophisticated interceptors. Interceptor drones now account for around 40% of Ukraine’s kills of Russian Shahed-type drones and other long-range attack UAVs. TVP World is Poland's first English-language channel where you can find our guest interviews, world news from the Polish perspective and the latest news from the CEE region.