Russia unveils Krechet high-speed interceptor drone

Russia has unveiled the Krechet, a new fixed-wing interceptor drone designed to counter enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Presented at the Patriot Expo near Moscow, the drone is produced by the company Ushkuinik.

Powered by two electric motors and launched via catapult, the Krechet can reach speeds of up to 450 km/h. It features a backward-swept wing design that allows for a smaller size and enhanced roll maneuverability. According to Alexei Chadaev, director of Ushkuinik, the drone is capable of intercepting targets through either a dedicated warhead or via kinetic impact.

The interceptor is specifically engineered to track and neutralize enemy drones, such as the Ukrainian Lyutyi, which operates at speeds of approximately 200 km/h. Due to its high speed, the Krechet can rapidly reach an enemy's flight path and position itself behind the target without requiring deployment in large groups or on mobile platforms.