Vluchnyk Zorelit v5

History

The Vluchnyk Zorelit v5 is a Ukrainian interceptor unmanned aerial vehicle developed to engage fast aerial targets, including reconnaissance UAVs and jet-powered strike drones.

The Zorelit v5 was developed from the earlier Zorelit v4 interceptor. Vluchnyk completed a full cycle of internal trials of the new model in 2026 and stated that the aircraft confirmed its declared performance characteristics.

By September 2026, the interceptor was available for delivery under direct contracts with military units while codification was in progress. Combat testing was scheduled for late September 2026, placing the system in the transition from internal testing toward wider military evaluation.

Development

The Zorelit v5 is based on the Zorelit v4, which was first tested in September 2025. The first supply contract for the earlier model was completed in December 2025. Vluchnyk states that the v4 has experience of successful combat use, has been accepted into service, and has received a NATO Stock Number. Technical solutions proven on the v4 were transferred to the v5.

The v5 was developed for interception of increasingly fast unmanned aircraft. Its intended target set includes reconnaissance UAVs, Gerbera and Geran-2 drones, and faster jet-powered Geran-3 and Geran-4 UAVs. The declared maximum interceptor speed of 416 km/h is intended to provide sufficient speed margin against targets cruising at approximately 300–350 km/h.

Vluchnyk completed internal range testing before announcing the aircraft in September 2026. The company also stated that every manufactured interceptor undergoes a control flight before delivery. Test video is retained and individual aircraft are marked so that a specific assembly and its installed components can be traced.

Design

The Zorelit v5 is designed as an aerial interception system that approaches hostile UAVs along their flight route. The aircraft combines high speed with a battery-powered flight profile optimized for relatively short interception missions.

Guidance and control

The interceptor can be equipped with an automatic target detection and highlighting system using artificial-intelligence algorithms. Automated terminal guidance is also planned for the final phase of an interception.

Optional integration with the SkyMap system allows the drone to proceed automatically toward the target area and calculate an interception trajectory while considering battery consumption. The system also supports remote aircraft control and video transmission through the internet.

Onboard equipment

The stated baseline configuration includes a movable camera mechanism, an ELRS control system with a selectable operating band, a 2.5 W video transmitter, and a warhead initiation board. The initiation system supports remote detonation and includes a physical safety pin.

Warhead

The Zorelit v5 is designed to carry a warhead weighing between 300 and 600 g. A disclosed configuration uses a 400 g warhead.

Program status

Internal trials had been completed by September 2026. Vluchnyk stated that the interceptor was ready for supply through direct contracts with military units, while separate combat testing was scheduled for late September.

Codification was also in progress. After completion of that process, the company planned to make the interceptor available through the Ukrainian ePoints procurement mechanism. No confirmed operational service history for the Zorelit v5 itself was available at the time of its announcement.

Specifications (Zorelit v5)

General characteristics

• Type: Interceptor unmanned aerial vehicle
• Primary role: Interception of reconnaissance, propeller-driven strike, and jet-powered strike UAVs
• Warhead: 300–600 g supported; 400 g in one disclosed configuration

Performance

• Maximum speed: 416 km/h
• Cruising speed: approximately 200 km/h
• Flight range: up to 47 km on one charge
• Endurance: up to approximately 17 minutes at a cruising speed of about 200 km/h

Control and mission systems

• Control system: ELRS with selectable operating band
• Video transmitter: 2.5 W
• Camera: movable camera mechanism
• Optional automation: automatic target detection and highlighting using AI algorithms
• Terminal phase: automatic final guidance capability
• Optional integration: SkyMap automated routing and interception trajectory calculation
• Remote functions: remote control and video transmission through the internet

Related equipment

• Zorelit v4 — predecessor interceptor UAV from which the Zorelit v5 was developed and from which several combat-tested technical solutions were carried forward.