Solutions to win: Ukrainian interceptor manufacturer develops its own air defense network to combat drones
Russian strike drones pose a constant threat requiring dedicated defense. The interceptor manufacturer already operates the Night Hornets unit, whose crews join daily combat shifts alongside military personnel.
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense issued an order granting this anti-Shahed unit private air defense status. During its operations, Night Hornets destroyed over 50 Shahed drones, including jet-powered models.
The unit includes instructors and test pilots. Among them are team members who joined the company from scratch and became top instructors, as well as veterans of the Russo-Ukrainian war with combat experience.
Now, the manufacturer has decided to deploy its own anti-drone air defense network. It aims to operate wherever protection against Russian strike drones is needed, serving as part of Ukraine's overall air defense system.
At the same time, the company does not plan to sell facility protection as a separate commercial service. It will finance its air defense network using profits from drone sales.
"Our crews already join daily combat shifts alongside the military," Wild Hornets stated.
Hornet Vision Ctrl technology will form the foundation of the new network, enabling remote drone control and launching capabilities.
The system will consist of three main elements:
Background
As Rubryka reported, critical infrastructure enterprises in Ukraine will be able to set up their own air defense groups: they will receive temporary weaponry to strengthen facility protection, while personnel will undergo training and certification.
The project aims to bolster protection for workers, production capacity, and enterprise facilities that are targeted by systematic attacks from enemy uncrewed systems.
The first private air defense group has already begun combat missions and shot down several Russian drones in the Kharkiv region. Notably, on April 17, reports confirmed the first shootdown in the Kharkiv region of a jet-powered Shahed-type strike drone traveling at speeds over 400 km/h.
As of mid-September 2026, 81 companies have joined the experimental project integrating the private sector into the air defense system. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense granted these enterprises authorized status to carry out air defense measures.
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8 of October 2026
