Ukraine has introduced an advanced first-person view (FPV) drone called the ‘Sting’ to counter Russian attacks using Shahed-136 kamikaze drones. Developed by the Wild Hornets group, the Sting drone is engineered to intercept these loitering munitions, aiming to protect Ukrainian cities from devastating barrages.
‘Sting’ will be the first drone specifically developed to target the Iranian-designed Shahed drones launched by Russian forces. This innovation marks a significant shift in Ukraine’s air defense strategy, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional AD systems and mobile AA fire teams.
Photo: The Telegraph
Key Capabilities of the ‘Sting’ FPV Drone:
- Speed and Altitude: The Sting can reach speeds of over 100 mph and operate at altitudes of nearly 10,000 feet, allowing it to rapidly intercept incoming targets.
- VR-Goggles Piloting: Operators will use VR goggles to control the drone with precision, providing a real-time, first-person view for effective navigation and engagement.
- Targeting: Future upgrades for the Sting include an AI-based guidance system that will allow it to lock onto enemy drones, improving targeting accuracy and effectiveness.
- Cost Efficiency: The Sting is significantly cheaper than conventional surface-to-air missiles, making it an ideal solution for intercepting large numbers of Shahed drones, which Russia is now producing in the thousands annually.
Ukraine faces daily barrages of 25-120 Shahed drones, making it critical to develop cost-efficient, scalable solutions. The Sting drone aims to conserve Ukraine’s stockpile of expensive air-defense missiles, addressing the volume of threats in this war of attrition with Russia and their allies (Iran, North Korea, China)
