From Ukraine to Africa, drone dog fights now a reality
Militaries are increasingly deploying interceptor drones to neutralize hostile UAVs, a tactic popularized by the conflict in Ukraine. This shift represents a cost-effective alternative to traditional air defense missiles and is driving an arms race in autonomous interception technology.
Why it matters
The rise of drone-on-drone warfare is fundamentally changing modern battlefield tactics and the economics of air defense.
The rapid proliferation of attack drones and loitering munitions on modern battlefields is pushing militaries around the world towards a new layer of air defence — using drones to hunt down other drones. The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict, which is characterised by drone warfare, has been the biggest driver of this shift. Ukraine has increasingly relied on interceptor UAVs to bring down Russian Shahed-type one-way attack drones, a tactic aimed at conserving costlier surface-to-air missiles for higher-value targets. Sudan's army, using a Turkish origin Akinci drone, has even shot down a Chinese-made CH-95 drone operated by UAE-backed Rapid Support Force.Interceptor drones work by detecting, chasing and neutralising hostile UAVs, either through direct collision, small onboard warheads or guided engagement systems.
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