Ukrainian Drone STRILA-2 Will Now Catch Up With "Shaheds" In Seconds
- 28.03.2026, 10:19
German technology for the AFU in action.
Ukrainian company WIY Drones in close cooperation with German defense giant Quantum Systems has upgraded the STRILA-2 interceptor drone.
This is reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the interview of Quantum Systems Ukraine Managing Director Alexander Berezhny to the Militarny portal.
Ukrainian arsenal of air defense means is replenished with a unique development that can fundamentally change the rules of the game in the sky.
Ukrainian company WIY Drones in close cooperation with German defense giant Quantum Systems has modernized the STRILA-2 interceptor drone. The main innovation was the integration of a rocket booster, turning the drone into a jet hunter.
Technological breakthrough: rocket booster instead of propellers
The main challenge for interceptor drones has always been the time to climb to altitude. STRILA-2 solves this problem with technology borrowed from the German Jäger drone:
Instant start: Thanks to a small solid-fuel rocket booster, the drone takes off almost vertically and gains altitude of several kilometers in seconds.
Energy saving: Once the booster is used up, it is detached and the drone switches to economy flight using its four main electric motors.
Position advantage: This arrangement allows the STRILA-2 to get above an enemy object (Shahed or Zala scout) and attack it in its most vulnerable upper hemisphere.
Artificial Intelligence vs. REB
Besides speed, the drone received "brains" from Quantum Systems. The artificial intelligence (AI) software allows the interceptor to independently recognize targets and capture them in its sights. This is critical in conditions of enemy electronic warfare, when communication with the operator may be interrupted - the AI will bring the drone to the target autonomously.
Massive rearmament: 15,000 drones for the NSU
The project has already received strong financial support. The German government has paid for an order for 15,000 units of the STRILA family of interceptors for the needs of the National Guard of Ukraine. The cooperation envisages not only the purchase, but also the expansion of production directly in Ukraine. This will allow the Defense Forces to promptly receive spare parts and update software based on real combat experience.
The Economics of War: Drone instead of expensive missiles
The use of STRILA-2 missile-powered interceptors saves expensive missiles of Patriot or IRIS-T systems. One such interceptor costs dozens of times less than an anti-aircraft missile, but effectively destroys: Shahed attack UAVs; Supercam and Orlan high-speed reconnaissance drones; tactical-level kamikaze drones.