Ukraine debuts 'Tsyklop' UAV that mimics the peregrine falcon but explodes
on target

Date:
Sat, 25 Jul 2026 20:35:00 +0000

Description:
Ukraine formally introduced the Tsyklop interceptor, combining high-altitude attacks with expanding domestic drone production and increasingly advanced aerial defense programs.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Ukraine's falcon-inspired drone destroys aerial threats with a suicidal dive attack More than 100 reported kills put Tsyklop among Ukraine's busiest interceptors Gravity becomes Tsyklop's final weapon during high-speed aerial interceptions Ukraine has introduced the Tsyklop interceptor, a drone that attacks hostile UAVs by diving from above like a peregrine falcon before exploding on impact.

The one-way aircraft relies on altitude and a gravity-assisted descent
instead of pursuing its objective across long distances. Ukrainian officials say the design is intended to counter reconnaissance drones, Shahed attack drones , and other aerial threats using two operational variants. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: High-altitude interceptor
focuses on aerial threats Ukraine's Defense Ministry has formally codified
the Tsyklop after several versions reportedly spent years in frontline
service before receiving official approval.

According to the ministry, the interceptor can operate above the flight ceiling of several Russian reconnaissance and strike UAVs before beginning
its attack. You may like Ukraine becomes the first country to scale long-distance remote-controlled interceptor drones First UAVs that can stalk and kill Russian Shahed drones autonomously have been battle-tested in the Kharkiv region Ukraine turns a 55-year-old Antonov An-28 into a drone killing machine

The aircraft has a wingspan of slightly more than one meter and can
reportedly remain airborne for almost 1.5 hours during operational missions.

One version is intended for slower aerial and ground threats, while the V2 model was developed to intercept faster Shahed drones flying at altitude. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro
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Officials said the interceptor has sufficient operational range to defend any Ukrainian regional center against incoming drone attacks.

The Defense Ministry also said the V2 variant has destroyed more than 100 aerial targets and became the first interceptor to down a Russian Shahed over Kursk Oblast.

The drone has reportedly intercepted Gerbera, Zala, Supercam, Orlan, Lancet, Molniya, and Shahed unmanned aircraft during combat operations. What to read next Ukraine reveals secret strike squadron of civilian planes transformed into deadly reusable drone bombers Ukraine claims $400 FPV drone destroyed Russia's $19 million 'Apache rival' attack helicopter Ukraine unveils tiny 'aircraft carrier' but for FPV drone will submarine UAV launcher be next?

The ministry said codification formalizes a system that had already been used in combat rather than introducing an entirely untested capability. Ukraine accelerates development of interceptor drones Tsyklop enters an increasingly competitive interceptor program as Ukraine expands domestic production and introduces new approaches to counter Russian aerial threats.

The Defense Ministry said it codified 413 unmanned aerial systems during the first half of 2026, with interceptor drones becoming one of the fastest-growing categories.

Ukraine has also announced plans to manufacture between 10 million and 30 million drones annually as domestic production capacity continues expanding.

The country has additionally converted civilian aircraft into reusable drone bombers capable of carrying 100 kg bomb payloads approximately 1,200 miles into Russian territory.

Other interceptor programs include the Octopus, with procurement covering 8,000 units equipped with automatic terminal guidance for aerial engagements.

Germany has funded 15,000 STRILA interceptors, while the Wild Hornets Sting reportedly destroyed more than 600 aerial targets using a NATO-approved control system.

The growing emphasis on interception follows reports that Russia has introduced jet-powered Geran-4 Shahed variants capable of cruising between
300 and 350 km/h before accelerating to between 500 and 600 km/h.

Ukraine says Tsyklop answers that challenge by attacking from above instead
of relying mainly on pursuit, although many reported combat achievements
still rely on official Ukrainian statements.

Via Euro Maidan Press Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/ukraine-debuts-tsyklop-uav-that-mimics-the-pereg rine-falcon-but-explodes-on-target


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