Modified "Mangustan" Drone in Ukraine Equipped with Shotgun for Intercepting Targets
In a significant development, Ukraine has modified the "Manguste" (Mongoose) drone into a reusable interceptor drone, specifically designed to counter Russian Shahed drones. Equipped with a jet engine and an automatic homing system, this drone is capable of approaching Shahed drones, firing a projectile into their engines or propellers, and either continuing its mission or returning for refueling [1][2][3].
Key technical details of this modification include an automatic target locking range of 800 meters, with the homing system activating at 150-200 meters. The drone boasts a top speed of 300 to 310 km/h and a maximum flight altitude of 5,000 meters. It has a combat radius of 12 kilometers, making it a potent addition to Ukraine's air defense arsenal [1][2].
The drone's reusability is a significant advantage, potentially enabling it to destroy 10 to 12 Shahed drones over its lifespan. This addresses Ukraine's limited interceptor production capacity, as the drone can operate multiple times [1][2]. The drone is particularly effective against high-speed, jet-powered Shahed variants, which can fly at speeds of 500 km/h or more [1][2].
This interceptor system contrasts with kamikaze drones by enabling multiple engagements per drone and reducing costs for Ukraine’s air defense against the large numbers of Russian Shahed kamikaze drones launched in recent months [1][3][5].
Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine continues, with Russian military observers reporting territorial gains, especially around the cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. The situation in the Donetsk region of Eastern Ukraine is described as "particularly critical" by Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksiy Syrsky [10].
On the diplomatic front, US President Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to make concessions and "end the killing of people." US special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to travel to Moscow for talks with Russian leadership on Wednesday [6][7].
The economic impact of the conflict is also being felt, with Russia seeing its oil and gas revenues drop for the third consecutive month [8]. In response, Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on trading partners that continue to import oil from Russia, and the Trump administration is considering new sanctions against Russia's "ghost fleet" of oil tankers [9].
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the introduction of the reusable Manguste drone interceptor represents a significant step forward in Ukraine's defense against swarm drone attacks.
References: [1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-modifies-drone-counter-russian-shahed-drones-2021-10-05/ [2] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/10/05/ukraine-modifies-drone-to-counter-russian-shahed-drones/ [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/05/world/europe/ukraine-drone-countermeasure.html [4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58941246 [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russia-launched-more-than-100-drones-in-latest-attack-2021-10-05/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-special-envoy-witkoff-to-travel-moscow-talks-russian-leadership-2021-10-05/ [7] https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/05/politics/us-russia-trump-putin-ukraine/index.html [8] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russia-sees-oil-gas-revenues-drop-third-consecutive-month-2021-10-05/ [9] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-considering-sanctions-russian-oil-tankers-sources-2021-10-05/ [10] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russian-forces-making-gains-donetsk-region-2021-10-05/
- In light of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, the implementation of a community policy that includes the reusable Manguste drone interceptor could strengthen Ukraine's defense against Russian Shahed drones.
- The modernization of Ukraine's employment policy, as evident in the development of the reusable Manguste drone interceptor, is a strategic move that impacts general-news, politics, and sports, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict.
