This article is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Jul 18, 2026. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
Credit: Abaca Press/Alamy Stock Photo
PARIS—Ukraine still needs a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to loiter in domestic airspace and shoot down incoming Russian attack drones and glide bombs, a co-owner of Ukrainian attack drone and missile-maker Fire Point said here on June 17.
Speaking to reporters at Fire Point’s booth at the Eurosatory trade show, Denys Shtilerman said that Russian glide bombs, such as the FAB series of winged, precision-guided munitions, are not easily destroyed by Ukraine’s air defense missiles.
A MALE UAS armed with a 30mm cannon could intercept the glide bombs before they hit their targets.
The same type of armed UAS also could help stem the relentless waves of Russian Shahed- and Geran-style drones launched at Ukraine, he said.
In addition to the cannon, the UAS should be able to stay in flight for about 24 hr. and loiter at an altitude of about 23,000 ft., he said.
It was not immediately clear whether Fire Point intends to add such a system to its expanding portfolio of attack drones, cruise missiles, medium-range ballistic missiles and air defense interceptors.
The Ukrainian company launched in late 2024 with the FP-1 and FP-2—both long-range, propeller-driven attack drones.
Related Content
