The Defence Forces of Ukraine have released the first public footage of a Ukrainian-built drone intercepting a Russian-Iranian Shahed strike drone. The video, shared by the Ukrainian drone development and combat group Wild Hornets, shows a Sting interceptor drone hitting the Shahed from below using thermal imaging.
The intercepted aircraft has been confirmed as an authentic Shahed, not a Gerbera decoy, due to its recognisable wingtips and pitot tubes.
The Sting interceptor drone was initially revealed in October 2024. Designed as a low cost alternative to anti aircraft missiles, it offers an innovative solution to the persistent Shahed drone threat. While missiles used to counter these drones often come with hefty price tags, the Sting offers a much cheaper option. According to its creators, each Sting drone costs tens of times less than a Shahed, which has an estimated cost of approximately 40,000 US dollars or roughly 31,500 GBP. That contrast makes the Sting both economically and tactically beneficial.
The Sting is a quadcopter style drone capable of reaching speeds over 160 kilometres per hour and flying at altitudes near 3,000 metres. The core of the drone features a dome shaped body with a thermal camera and a built in warhead. The drone is currently manually piloted using virtual reality goggles, but developers say an artificial intelligence targeting system will be integrated in the near future.
The drone in the released footage was operated by Wild Hornets, a group that has contributed to multiple technological advancements on the battlefield. A representative from the group stated the affordability and adaptability of the Sting make it a key asset in Ukraine’s ongoing defence strategy.
Ukraine’s Darknode Unmanned Systems Forces unit, part of the 412th Separate Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment known as “NEMESIS”, has already confirmed that interceptor drones have successfully downed at least 100 Shahed and Geran drones. Geran is the Russian designation for the Iranian Shahed drones frequently used in attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Darknode, a newly formed unit announced in April, welcomes both military personnel and civilian volunteers. Its purpose is to integrate skilled operators into drone warfare to counter Russian aerial assaults.
