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.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
The "Klin" is a new AI-powered strike drone developed by the Russian defense industry, described as a "Shahed-type" unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It is designed to autonomously detect and strike targets at distances of up to 120 km.
Ukrainian unmanned aerial interceptors from the 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade successfully neutralized the "Klin" drone on February 10 after it entered their area of responsibility. Despite being presented as an "unmatched" technological innovation, the drone was destroyed during its first encounter in the air.
The "Klin" UAV has a takeoff weight of 13.5 kg, a fuselage length of 1.6 meters, and a wingspan of 1.9 meters. It can reach flight speeds between 108 and 300 km/h, operate at altitudes up to 2 km, and carries a warhead weighing 5 kg.
Recovering the drone's components allows Ukrainian specialists to analyze its navigation systems, operational algorithms, and component base. This technical examination is crucial for developing and integrating effective countermeasures against this new generation of AI-powered threats.
While Russian developers claimed the system was "unmatched" and highly autonomous, its swift destruction by Ukrainian forces suggests that existing defense capabilities can effectively counter it. The interception demonstrates that Ukrainian adaptation is currently outpacing Russia's new drone technology.
