Interceptor drones shot down over 100 Russian UAVs
29 August, 2024 Russian ZALA 421-16E reconnaissance drone moments before being shot down, August 2024. Photo credits: Serhii Sternenko In recent weeks, Ukrainian interceptor drones have shot down more than a hundred Russian reconnaissance drones.
Volunteer and blogger Serhii Sternenko reported on this. More than a hundred Russian UAVs were destroyed using drones modified to intercept air targets, which were purchased with donations from volunteers as part of the Heavenly Rusoriz project. "This video alone shows 115 downed Russian reconnaissance UAVs - Orlan, Zala, Superkam, and more.
Russian drones could adjust Iskander missile systems and KABs, but they will not harm anyone," Sternenko said in his post. These are common Russian military-grade wing drones: Supercam S350, ZALA 421-16E, and Orlan-10.
The Russian invaders used them to reconnoiter the frontline and rear areas of Ukraine, adjust artillery systems, and loiter munitions. FPV drones modernized for such tasks with a high-explosive warhead mostly perform the interception itself. However, it is known that some militaries also practice other methods of shooting down, such as ramming.
It is worth noting that Russian operators of unmanned systems have already begun to adapt to the new threat and have started applying a camouflage pattern to aircraft fuselages. The intention is to make it harder to detect the aircraft against the ground. However, it is unclear how effective the camouflage solution is.
It can be seen that a significant number of interceptors are equipped with a digital data channel and a high-resolution camera, which makes it possible to conduct reconnaissance at a considerable distance.
Russian ZALA 421-16E drone with a camouflage pattern. August 2024.
Photo credits: Serhii Sternenko
In addition to the Russian reconnaissance UAV types mentioned above, the Ukrainian military also intercepted a new and still rare ZALA Z-20 drone made in Russia for the first time. It was first presented in 2023. According to the manufacturer's official information, the drone can fly over 100 km and stay in the air for more than 6 hours in patrol mode.
The drone, which can weigh up to 18 kg, is equipped with an HD camera, which allows it to detect and identify targets at long distances.
In addition, it is part of a larger reconnaissance and strike system together with the ZALA Lancet loitering munition, where it performs target reconnaissance, objective control, and signal relay tasks for the strike drone.