Photo: Getty Images
Ukrainian defense company Dark River has introduced the APUS-1, a fixed-wing interceptor drone designed to destroy Shahed loitering munitions and reconnaissance UAVs, Defender Media reported.
The APUS-1 has a cruising speed of 140 km/h and can reach 320 km/h at maximum speed. It has an operational range of 50 kilometers, an endurance of up to 50 minutes, and can carry a 1.5-kilogram payload. The drone is launched using a catapult.
It features a digital video link, a daytime camera, autonomous navigation that does not rely on GPS, and supports manual control. The system requires only two operators and can be prepared for launch in less than five minutes. Its maximum operating altitude is 4,500 meters.
The APUS-1 receives target coordinates in real time from radar stations or other surveillance systems. It can destroy targets through direct kinetic impact or by detonating its warhead. If the mission is unsuccessful, the drone returns to the launch area, while a self-destruct function can be activated if necessary.
The interceptor is currently undergoing Ukraine’s military codification process. It is listed on the Brave1 Market defense platform at a price of 140,000 hryvnias (about $3,300). According to the manufacturer, the APUS-1 is already in service with 10 Ukrainian military units.
Earlier this month, Ukraine announced a simplified export mechanism for domestically produced weapons and defense technologies to partner countries. Under the new rules, export applications for countries participating in the Drone Deal initiative will be processed within 30 days, down from the previous 90-day review period.
