Ukrainian engineers have developed affordable interceptor drones to counter the growing threat of Iranian-designed attack drones, which are putting pressure on U.S. and allied air-defense systems. These new interceptors offer a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional missile defense systems.
by JESSICA A. BOTELHO | The National News DeskAn anti-air interceptor drone designed to destroy Russian attack drones from the Ukrainian company General Cherry is seen during a demonstration in Kyiv region, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Iran's increasing use of low-cost attack drones is putting pressure on U.S. and allied air-defense systems, highlighting a growing challenge in modern warfare. The drones, often referred to as Shahed drones, are relatively inexpensive to produce, but can cause significant damage when launched in large numbers. An instructor from the Ukrainian company General Cherry demonstrates the operation of an anti-air interceptor drone designed to destroy Russian attack drones in Kyiv region, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The estimated cost to manufacture an Iranian Shahed drone varies by model, but most analysts place it in the $20,000 to $50,000 range per unit. But the missiles used to shoot them down can cost hundreds of thousands -- or even millions -- per interception. The imbalance has raised concerns that prolonged drone campaigns could drain U.S. and allied defensive stockpiles.An anti-air interceptor drone designed to destroy Russian attack drones from the Ukrainian company General Cherry is seen during a demonstration in Kyiv region, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. After years of defending against similar Iranian-designed drones used by Russia, Ukrainian engineers have developed low-cost interceptor drones designed specifically to destroy incoming drones. The interceptor drones are far cheaper than traditional missile-based defenses and could provide a more sustainable way to protect military bases and infrastructure. "Ukraine had to fight smart and didn't have rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles, stuff like that, so they turned to these kinds of drones to sort of equalize the battlefield," Alex Roslin, who is a spokesman for the Ukrainian nonprofit miltech company Wild Hornets, told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media on Thursday to say he hopes the U.S. will reconsider a drone production deal amid its war in Iran. A day prior, he said his nation"These are essentially the same attack drones that the Iranian regime supplied to Russia and taught the Russians to use," Zelensky wrote on X."Today, Ukraine has the greatest expertise in the world in countering 'shaheds' -- from developing interceptors to establishing a systemic defense against drones," he added. "It is not enough simply to obtain interceptors somewhere -- there must also be experience in using them. Our warriors have such experience. There must also be proper systemic work with radars and with the entire air defense system. Ukraine is ready to share this experience for the security of those partners who are helping us."Travelers continued to wait in long lines at the Austin airport Saturday morning, this coming a day after AUS said it expected over 35,000 passengers to departTwo people were injured in a stabbing on a CapMetro bus on South Lamar Boulevard Friday afternoon, Austin police said.Officers responded to shoot/stab hot shotPassenger lines at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport stretched outside the terminal early Friday morning as spring break travel collided with South By SoutThree people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on US 183 in Mustang Ridge Friday morning, including one person who was airlifted to a hospital, authorities saSAN ANTONIO - A local TV meteorologist has been arrested and accused of punching a woman in the face, breaking her nose.According to the Bexar County Sheriff's
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