Ukraine’s ‘Bullet’ Drones: A Low-Cost Solution to the Growing Threat of Iranian Shaheds
On the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukrainian technicians are preparing to deploy “Bullet” interceptor drones, a technology gaining attention as a potential turning point in modern warfare. These drones, likewise known as “Eating” drones, are designed to intercept and destroy kamikaze drones impacting infrastructure and civilian areas.
The Rise of Low-Cost Interceptor Drones
As the war in the Middle East escalates and with Iran’s increasing utilize of Shahed drones, the demand for effective and affordable air defense systems has surged. Ukraine, having spent the last four years developing methods to defend against similar Russian attacks, is now positioned as a key provider of this technology. “We have learned to counter the threat in the most economical way possible”, says one of the instructor pilots.
Technical Specifications of the ‘Bullet’ Drone
The ‘Bullet’ drone, manufactured by Ukrainian defense tech company General Cherry, is a quadcopter costing approximately $2,000 in its basic configuration. Its bullet-shaped fuselage is 3D-printed from polymer, weighing around 1.2 kilograms. It is powered by a 15,000 ampere battery weighing 1.7 kg, enabling speeds of over 300 kilometers per hour, with newer versions reaching up to 450 km/h.
The drone operates at altitudes of 5,500-6,000 meters, utilizing radio and video antennas within a 150-200 km radius. While battery life at maximum speed is limited to 4-5 minutes, this is typically sufficient to intercept and neutralize targets.
Production and International Interest
General Cherry began transforming an artisanal prototype into a modular, mass-producible platform in October 2025. The company’s goal, according to founder Yaroslav Hryshyn, is to create “effective and replicable defense system, capable of protecting critical infrastructures and Ukrainian cities”.
Ukraine currently has a surplus of interceptor drones and the capacity to produce tens of thousands more without impacting its own defense needs according to the Associated Press.
Interest in these drones extends beyond Ukraine, with the United States and Gulf states seeking assistance in countering Iranian drone attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukrainian drone experts will be deployed to the Middle East to aid Gulf nations under attack from Iran as reported by YouTube and the BBC. The US has also reportedly requested Ukraine’s help in fighting Iranian drones according to the BBC.
Beyond the ‘Bullet’: Ukraine’s Expanding Drone Capabilities
The ‘Bullet’ is not the only interceptor drone being produced in Ukraine. Other models, such as the fixed-wing Meropos and the Sting, offer similar capabilities.