Delegations from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the UK Ministry of Defence have signed a licensing agreement concerning the Ukrainian Octopus interceptor drone.
“Together with our allies, we are enhancing Ukraine’s air defence capabilities. This is a historic precedent and a significant next step that will make it possible to produce Ukrainian interceptor drones in the United Kingdom—drones that have demonstrated their effectiveness against Shahed drones,” stated Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
Shmyhal said the plan is to launch mass production of the interceptors, which could amount to several thousand units per month. The manufactured equipment will then be delivered to Ukraine to strengthen its air defence.
In related news, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has announced that interceptor drones have been added to its DOT-Chain Defence weapons marketplace, operated by Ukraine’s Defence Procurement Agency. The supply of the military through DOT-Chain Defence is conducted alongside other programs and constitutes an additional channel for drone deliveries.
“From now on, military units can independently choose and order the equipment they require directly through the IT system — using state funds and without additional approvals. This reflects the principle of autonomy and trust,” noted Shmyhal.
Interceptor drones from three manufacturers are already available in the marketplace, with three more to be contracted in the near future.
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Image: Ministry of Defence – Ukraine
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