Defense tech advances

Ukrainian defense firms unveil shotgun armed interceptor drones to counter heavy Russian drone swarms.

More Shotgun Interceptor Drones Take Aim at Russian Swarms in Ukraine

Besomar unveiled its latest interceptor at Iron Demo 2025 in Lviv, a fixed wing drone fitted with two 12-gauge shotgun barrels under its wings and capable of carrying four. The system uses a nose sensor to trigger shots when the target is in sight, aiming to reduce operator workload and reaction time. The drone is designed to be reusable and mass producible.

Ukrainian makers are testing various interceptors as Russian drone raids continue, at times exceeding 700 drones in a single night. Some models rely on ramming, while shotgun payloads offer a potentially cheaper option. Besomar emphasizes onboard computing and frequency hopping to resist electronic jamming and improve approach against evasive drones.

The move signals a broader shift in air defense where cost and reuse matter as much as reach. Shotgun interceptors blur the line between weapon and defensive tech, pushing toward more autonomous decision making and rapid reuse. Yet the approach raises questions about collateral damage, rules of engagement, and how quickly such technology can be scaled for widespread use.

As drone swarms evolve, Ukraine and its allies will test whether faster, autonomous countermeasures can keep pace with the tempo of attacks. The real test is not just technology but policy, training, and the public’s tolerance for a more aggressive defensive posture.

Highlights

The next test is whether such systems can be scaled safely and deployed reliably.