November 10, 2026
Ukraine’s Zirka interceptor drone was first unveiled in June 2026. By late October, footage had emerged showing an upgraded version shooting down a jet-powered Geran-5 drone.
NV examines what is known about the interceptor in its infographic.
Developed by Ukrainian company NOCTIS, the Zirka interceptor is designed to shoot down attack drones, including jet-powered variants of Shahed-type UAVs.
The video below, released in October 2026, shows the Zirka intercepting a jet-powered Geran-5 drone at a speed of approximately 400 kilometers per hour and an altitude of 3,500 meters. The interception was carried out by the Retro crew of the Darknode Battalion of the 412th Nemesis Brigade. Personnel from the unit had been involved in developing the interceptor from the outset, according to ZRK.tech, the technology project responsible for its development.
Key specifications of the Zirka interceptor drone:
- Military codification: 2026
- Speed: 340–400 km/h
- Maximum flight altitude: 6 km
- Flight endurance: 20 minutes
- Operational radius: 30 km
- Cost: $5,000
Infographics: NV
The drone is equipped with an onboard computer powered by a Raspberry Pi 5 and running a trained computer vision model.
With a maximum climb rate of 40 meters per second, the drone can reach an altitude of 6 kilometers in 2.5 minutes.
The interceptor can detect and lock onto targets at distances of up to 1 kilometer. Once the operator confirms a target, the drone autonomously tracks and destroys it through a direct collision.
Its autonomous guidance system increases the interception success rate against highly maneuverable targets to 60%.
The interceptor uses acoustic, optical and radio-frequency sensors to detect and confirm targets.
Sources: Manufacturer data; Militarnyi