Skazheny

History

Skazheny is a Ukrainian interceptor unmanned aerial vehicle developed for engaging hostile reconnaissance and strike drones. The system includes a terminal-guidance configuration intended to assist the interceptor during the final stage of an engagement.

In September 2026, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence codified and approved the Skazheny interceptor for operational use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. UV Military Cluster stated that the product family had been developed and codified as a comprehensive system with several configurations and corresponding equipment sets.

The terminal-guidance system had completed testing by that time, and the first aircraft equipped with it had been delivered to positions in the Odesa and Zaporizhzhia regions. Details of the codification and deployment were reported by Militarnyi.

UV Military Cluster described a current lineup of seven configurations. These include daytime and nighttime versions, terminal-guidance configurations, and versions using analog or digital video links. The company stated that each configuration is accompanied by the equipment required for its operation.

The manufacturer reported an estimated production capacity of up to 5,000 Skazheny interceptors per month as the model was entering the market. UV Military Cluster also reported interest from foreign customers and said that it was negotiating its first export contract.

Design

Skazheny uses an arrangement intended to keep its center of gravity near the middle of the airframe. The battery passes through the structural frame rather than being mounted entirely above or below it. According to the manufacturer, this allows the UAV to maintain level flight without flying with its nose raised and contributes to controllability.

The interceptor is being developed with modular sections at the request of the Ukrainian Navy. Replacing the lower section can change the communications system, while replacing the forward section can change the video system. This arrangement is intended to allow different communications and sensor configurations to be fitted to the same basic platform.

Guidance and control

The terminal-guidance version uses a system that can acquire a target during the final stage of interception. The guidance system has completed testing. The manufacturer has also conducted initial tests of remote-control technology intended to allow an operator to control the interceptor from a location away from the interception area.

UV Military Cluster does not consider the current Skazheny suitable for intercepting jet-powered drones. At the time of the September 2026 report, the company said it had not yet achieved a successful combat engagement with the terminal-guidance-equipped version because the relevant attacks toward Odesa had recently involved jet-powered Shahed-type drones.

Program status

Skazheny has been codified and approved for operational use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Initial terminal-guidance-equipped aircraft were delivered to positions in the Odesa and Zaporizhzhia regions. Additional interceptors were intended for units near the line of contact, where they were to be used against reconnaissance and strike UAVs.

The terminal-guidance configuration had passed testing before the first deliveries. Remote-control capability remained in initial testing, while modular communications and video sections were being developed for the Ukrainian Navy requirement.

Variants

• Daytime configuration: A configuration intended for daytime operation.
• Nighttime configuration: A configuration intended for nighttime operation.
• Terminal-guidance configuration: Version equipped with the tested terminal-guidance system.
• Analog-video configuration: Version using an analog video link.
• Digital-video configuration: Version using a digital video link.

UV Military Cluster stated that the complete Skazheny family comprises seven configurations, although the available source does not individually identify all seven designations.

Operators

• Ukraine: Approved for operational use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Terminal-guidance-equipped aircraft have been delivered to positions in the Odesa and Zaporizhzhia regions, with further deliveries intended for units near the line of contact.

Specifications (Skazheny interceptor UAV)

General characteristics

• Payload: 500 g
• Flight endurance: Up to 15 minutes

Performance

• Maximum speed: 340 km/h
• Maximum altitude: 7,000 m