Ukraine has launched mass production of a domestically developed interceptor for Shahed-type drones that Russia uses in its daily attacks on Ukraine.

Source: Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal

Details: Shmyhal has said that the technology has been transferred to the first three manufacturers and a further eleven are preparing their production lines.

Quote: "Octopus is a Ukrainian interception technology against Shahed [-type loitering munitions], which has been designed by the Armed Forces [of Ukraine] and validated in combat. It sustains effectiveness at night, under electronic warfare jamming and at low altitude. We are therefore launching the interceptors into mass production so they can start protecting Ukraine's skies as soon as possible."

More details: Shmyhal added that the defence ministry continues an open-interaction policy with Ukrainian manufacturers, creating conditions for a rapid shift from innovation to mass-produced combat solutions that strengthen the country's defence capability.

Background:

• In late October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demonstrated the Octopus, a Ukrainian interceptor drone, on an official visit to the United Kingdom.
• The Office of the President of Ukraine earlier said the UK would manufacture these UAVs for further testing in Ukraine and, after trials, is ready to scale production both in the UK and in Ukraine.
• On 13 November, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has begun producing interceptor drones jointly with the United States. He did not provide details regarding production volumes. However, it is worth recalling that at the end of October, he announced Ukraine's intention to reach a production capacity of 500-800 interceptor drones per day as early as November.

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