American Drone Interceptor Hitchhiker Tested in Ukraine

30 November, 2024 Illustration of the Hitchhiker interceptor drone made by IronNet and Asterion Systems American companies have tested their newest interceptor drone, the Hitchhiker, in Ukraine. Newsweek reported that the drone is designed to destroy barrage munitions of the Shahed type.

For this purpose, the American companies IronNet and Asterion Systems decided to join forces to test the innovative Hitchhiker interceptor drone in Ukraine. IronNet is a cybersecurity and collective defense company based on artificial intelligence, while Asterion Systems develops anti-drone technology. According to the two American firms, the Hitchhiker interceptor could prove effective in fighting kamikaze drones at lower operating costs compared to air defense systems.

Illustration of the Hitchhiker interceptor drone made by IronNet and Asterion Systems

The cooperation is aimed at meeting the Pentagon's growing need for comprehensive and integrated defense strategies.

The partnership combines IronNet's IronDome cyber threat detection system to protect against cyber attacks during air raids. "By combining efforts in cyber threat detection and air defense, governments and organizations will be able to provide a more comprehensive and effective approach to protecting critical infrastructure and national interests," the companies noted in a joint statement. The Hitchhiker is a multi-role interceptor with a range of 200 kilometers and a maximum speed of 450 km/h.

Illustration of the Hitchhiker interceptor drone made by IronNet and Asterion Systems

Data from several of its sensors are combined to provide situational awareness, monitoring objects across the border through a secure network environment, and detecting suspicious unmanned aerial vehicles long before they reach the border.

The drone can be automatically launched from stationary or mobile platforms, which increases the flexibility of operations to use it.

Moreover, as noted, it is also planned to create a jet version of this drone so that it can overtake and shoot down fast-moving UAVs.

The integration of cybersecurity tools into the Hitchhiker's defense system expands its capabilities.

Illustration of the Hitchhiker interceptor drone made by IronNet and Asterion Systems

In July, Ukrainian developers demonstrated flight tests of a jet drone designed to intercept air targets.