Two Ukrainian defense companies have unveiled an interceptor drone built specifically to neutralize Russian Shahed drones, offering automatic target detection and terminal guidance at what developers say is the lowest price on the market. According to Babel, Vyriy Industries announced the ZIRKA interceptor on Tuesday, June 3, saying the drone was jointly developed with NOCTIS, incorporating battlefield experience from the Darknode anti-Shahed battalion. Each unit costs up to $2,000.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “We know what a properly scaled defense company looks like. That is why we invest and share expertise. Because the Ukrainian market needs more strong teams,” Vyriy Industries CEO Oleksii Babenko said, adding “The more such teams and quality products there are, the higher the chances of winning this technological race.” Speed, range and autonomy of ZIRKA Reportedly, ZIRKA can reach speeds above 340 km/h (211.27 mph), operate at altitudes of up to 6 kilometers (approximately 3.7 miles) and cover an operational radius of 30 kilometers (roughly 18.6 miles) from its launch point, staying airborne for up to 20 minutes. The drone can automatically detect, track and neutralize high-speed aerial threats without requiring continuous operator input, a capability that sets the interceptor drone apart from cheaper but manually guided alternatives. Within the partnership, NOCTIS handles interception mechanisms, software and automation, while Vyriy Industries provides funding and manufacturing scale expertise. The team behind the drone includes engineers and programmers with direct field experience in counter-drone operations, according to Babel.