Europe is investing in interceptor drones to counter Russian Shahed drones: fast, inexpensive systems adapted to modern aerial threats.
In summary
Interceptor drones appear to be a European solution to counter the Iranian Shahed drones used by Russia in Ukraine. These devices destroy enemy drones by colliding with them at high speed or using a proximity explosive charge. Their cost remains lower than that of the kamikaze drones they target, making them an economically viable weapon against mass attacks. Companies such as MARSS in the United Kingdom, Destinus in Switzerland, and Cambridge Aerospace are testing prototypes capable of reaching 288 km/h, managed by an operator supervising several interceptors. Interest extends beyond Ukraine: some Gulf countries have already purchased units, while NATO is evaluating their potential. The central challenge is reaction time, which can be as little as 30 seconds when faced with a swarm. The objective is clear: to provide a rapid, inexpensive, and industrializable proximity defense to protect deployed forces and critical infrastructure.
The principle of the interceptor drone and its strategic interest
An interceptor drone is designed to neutralize a hostile drone by kinetic impact or a nearby explosion. The logic differs from conventional surface-to-air systems: the idea is to use a lightweight, fast, and inexpensive device to destroy a target that often costs less than an anti-aircraft missile. A modern surface-to-air missile such as the Aster 30 costs over €2 million per unit, while an Iranian Shahed is estimated to cost between €20,000 and €40,000. Using munitions that are more expensive than the threat is unsustainable in the long term.
The interceptor drone addresses this economic imbalance. Produced in series, it can cost less than €100,000, while offering a high probability of destruction. In Ukraine, these devices have proven their effectiveness against Shahed-136s, which fly at around 185 km/h. Thanks to its higher speed and autonomous guidance capability, the interceptor closes the gap and neutralizes the target before impact.
This solution is of interest to Europe because it is part of a multi-layered defense strategy. Surface-to-air missiles are reserved for strategic targets (aircraft, cruise missiles), while interceptors cover cheap, numerous, and persistent drones.
Ukraine’s role as a technological catalyst
Ukraine is the main testing ground for these new weapons. Iranian Shahed drones, produced under license in Russia, pose a daily threat to its energy infrastructure and cities. Their slow but massive flight puts pressure on air defenses. In 2023-2025, Kiev had to fire Patriot or NASAMS missiles to intercept targets that were ten times cheaper, causing rapid depletion of stocks.
The Ukrainian authorities have identified interceptor drones as a priority. Arsen Zhumadilov, director of the defense procurement agency, confirmed that production needed to be accelerated. In testing, these platforms effectively intercept Shaheds, offering a favorable cost/efficiency ratio.
This war is acting as an accelerator for military innovation. Urgent needs are pushing the acceptance of experimental solutions, which are sometimes still imperfect but are rapidly being improved. European manufacturers are thus finding a unique testing ground, which then allows them to offer their products to other customers. The case of Origin Robotics’ BLAZE in Latvia illustrates this dynamic: a prototype tested in front of Ursula von der Leyen and Evika Silina becomes a tool for political and industrial communication.
European manufacturers on the front line
Several European companies are positioning themselves in this market. The British company MARSS has unveiled its Interceptor MR, a drone capable of flying at 288 km/h, equipped with artificial intelligence for pursuit. A single operator can control several units, reducing staffing requirements. The company is aiming for series production in 2026 and has already secured sales to a Gulf country.
In Switzerland, Destinus is developing the Hornet system, designed to counter mass drones through rapid interception. In the UK, Cambridge Aerospace has unveiled its Skyhammer, billed as a low-cost solution that can be adapted not only against drones, but also against large cruise missiles.
These initiatives demonstrate a desire to diversify the European offering. Each company emphasizes a different angle: speed, scalability, or cost. But they all share the same goal: to offer an accessible anti-drone defense that can be produced quickly in large numbers.
The challenge of reaction time and the doctrine of use
One of the major problems revealed by the conflict in Ukraine is reaction time. A few years ago, troops had several minutes between detecting a drone and its arrival. Today, when faced with coordinated swarms or fast drones, this window can be reduced to 30 seconds.
This implies increasing automation: sensors, radars, tracking algorithms, and firing systems must operate with minimal human intervention. The operator becomes a supervisor, authorizing or canceling shots, but can no longer control each interception in real time.
Interceptors are therefore integrated into a broader chain of command, known as the kill chain. By accelerating this loop of detection, decision, and action, they reduce the vulnerability of units. Traditional air defense, designed for manned aircraft, is no longer suited to current volumes.
Growing interest from European states and NATO
European armies are closely monitoring these developments. The UK Ministry of Defense, in partnership with the Drone Capability Coalition, has issued a call for information to evaluate these interceptors. The aim is to test their effectiveness against faster drones, exceeding 350 km/h, capable of flying at an altitude of 3,600 m (12,000 ft).
The European Commission is also involved. Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Latvia, accompanied by Prime Minister Evika Silina, marks political support for local innovation. This signal is intended to encourage manufacturers and promote the pooling of efforts.
In addition, several Gulf countries have already purchased batches of interceptors. This rapid export underscores the commercial potential of the sector. If NATO validates the relevance of these systems, we could see massive industrialization, comparable to that of attack drones over the past ten years.
Strategic and economic implications
The adoption of interceptor drones would have a major impact on European defense. From a strategic point of view, it would fill a critical gap: close-range defense against cheap drones capable of saturating existing systems. By reducing the cost per interception, armies can maintain operational endurance in the face of prolonged campaigns.
Economically, the interceptor market represents an opportunity for the European defense industry. Development costs are lower compared to traditional missiles. This paves the way for cooperation between innovative startups and large established groups.
In the longer term, the rise of these systems could transform military doctrine. Bases, ports, and critical infrastructure will need to incorporate protective bubbles consisting of radars, interceptors, and conventional surface-to-air systems. The future of European air defense will therefore be hybrid, combining strategic missiles and defensive swarms.
Interceptor drones are a pragmatic response to a pressing problem: how to neutralize multiple, fast-moving, and inexpensive threats. But this solution is not definitive. The next step could be a confrontation between offensive swarms and defensive swarms, piloted by artificial intelligence.
Europe has long lagged behind the United States, China, and Turkey in the field of armed drones. The development of interceptors gives it an opportunity to position itself as a leader in the fight against drones. If the current prototypes successfully move into mass production, they could set a new standard in defense.
Live a unique fighter jet experience