Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine has developed and deployed a new capability allowing interceptor drones to be controlled remotely over distances of hundreds to thousands of kilometers.
In a statement, Fedorov said the system enables operators to control air defense interceptor drones from secure locations far from the battlefield, including cities such as Kyiv or Lviv, and even from abroad.
He said the capability removes the need for pilots to be physically positioned near launch or engagement zones.
A year of work behind the breakthrough
The development builds on work initiated a year ago through the Brave1 platform, which focused on testing and scaling remote-control technologies for interceptor drones. According to Fedorov, the system has now demonstrated confirmed interceptions at long distances.
He described the approach as a new level of “small-scale air defense,” aimed at expanding Ukraine’s ability to counter aerial threats through distributed and scalable drone-based systems. The shift allows operators to work from protected environments, reducing exposure to strikes and electronic warfare risks.
Ten manufacturers integrated, 95% neutralization target
Fedorov said more than 10 Ukrainian manufacturers have already integrated the remote-control solution into their interceptor platforms, enabling broader deployment across different systems.
He added that the technology improves interception efficiency, lowers risks for personnel, and allows Ukraine to scale its air defense capacity without being tied to frontline positions.
The minister said the development is part of a wider push to modernize Ukraine’s air defense architecture through innovation, with stated goals of achieving full detection of aerial threats and at least 95% neutralization rates.
2,000 km from abroad – and two Shaheds down from 500 km
A recent test highlighted the system’s reach: a Ukrainian operator controlled an interceptor drone in northern Ukraine while located roughly 2,000 kilometers away outside the country.
The setup, known as HORNET VISION Ctrl and developed by Wild Hornets, has already been used in earlier trials, where a pilot downed two Shahed-type drones from a distance of about 500 kilometers. Developers say the system has now entered serial deployment.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on drone-based solutions to supplement traditional air defense systems as it faces sustained Russian missile and drone attacks targeting infrastructure and cities.
