Ukrainian unmanned aerial interceptors of the 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade were the first to destroy a new “Shahed-type” AI-powered strike drone developed by Russia’s defense industry, known as “Klin".
On 10 February, the drone entered the brigade’s area of responsibility and was promptly neutralized.
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From big presentation to debris
Just four months ago, in 2025, “Klin” was officially presented as another technological innovation of the Russian defense sector.
The recovered sample will now be carefully examined by Ukrainian specialists. Analysis of the component base, navigation systems, and operational algorithms will be key to rapidly adapting countermeasures.
Despite developers’ claims of an “unmatched” system capable of autonomously detecting and striking targets at distances of up to 120 km, the drone was destroyed in practice with little complication.
Next-generation Shahed? What is known about “Klin”?
According to publicly available parameters, the UAV has:
- Takeoff weight: 13.5 kg
- Flight speed: 108–300 km/h
- Fuselage length: 1.6 m
- Wingspan: 1.9 m
- Maximum altitude: up to 2 km
- Warhead weight: 5 kg
Russia describes it as a relatively compact strike platform, potentially emphasizing autonomy and maneuverability.
Adaptation outpaces technology: what this interception means
The successful destruction of this new UAV type demonstrates the ability of Ukrainian units to respond rapidly to emerging threats and to quickly integrate effective counter-drone algorithms.
