The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has officially authorized the use of the JEDI Shahed Hunter, a new drone designed to autonomously detect and neutralize enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This advanced drone operates by receiving data from radar stations in real-time, allowing it to autonomously target and engage threats. It is specifically engineered to counteract strike drones such as the Shahed, Geran, and Gerbera, as well as reconnaissance drones like the Zala and Supercam.
With a maximum speed exceeding 350 km/h and an operational altitude of up to 6 km, the JEDI drone carries a payload of approximately 500 grams. It features vertical takeoff capabilities and weighs around 4 kg, equipped with both daytime and thermal imaging cameras for round-the-clock operations.
Each JEDI unit can effectively cover an airspace radius of up to 40 km, enhancing Ukraine’s aerial defense capabilities.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that air defense remains a top priority within Ukraine’s military strategy, aiming to identify 100% of aerial threats in real-time and intercept at least 95% of incoming missiles and drones.
In January, another interceptor drone named Octopus was unveiled in Kyiv, developed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This drone incorporates an artificial intelligence-based control system and is also aimed at countering Shahed-type drones. The Ministry has reported that the effectiveness of the Octopus drone has already been validated in combat scenarios.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has introduced the JEDI Shahed Hunter drone, enhancing the country's capabilities to intercept enemy UAVs. This drone autonomously targets threats and is part of a broader strategy to strengthen air defense amid ongoing conflicts.