Ukrainian Military Adds Jet-Powered 'Alexa Spatium' Interceptor Drones to Its Arsenal

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said it is procuring “Alexa Spatium,” a domestically produced jet-powered interceptor drone, to help engage Russian drones and other ground targets. The ministry called it the “first Ukrainian jet-powered drone interceptor” added to the military’s arsenal in a press release published on Friday, Aug. 22.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. It said the “Alexa Spatium” is a modular drone designed to engage Russia’s Geran-3, Geran-4, Geran-5, and Shahed-131 jet-powered drones, as well as “small aerial, ground, and surface targets.” The ministry remained tight-lipped about the drone’s performance but noted that it measures approximately 1.5 by 1.7 meters (5 by 5.5 feet) and is launched by mobile catapults that allow deployment “within minutes.” In a video shared by the ministry, the drone can be seen launching from a short, narrow catapult system a few meters long. The ministry said it could reach a “high” altitude with a “substantial” range without providing the figures. It’s built from “lightweight, durable composite material” and is powered by a “powerful turbojet engine,” the ministry said. When it comes to onboard armaments, the drone can be equipped with high-explosive fragmentation, shaped-charge, or thermobaric warheads, depending on the mission needs. Other Topics of Interest China Helps Russia Upgrade Shaheds Into a New Threat for Ukraine New turbojet-powered Shaheds can reach 483 km/h, forcing Ukraine to rely on scarce missiles and fighter jets as Chinese components replace Western ones. In terms of targeting, the drone is said to come with “TV and infrared search and targeting systems.” While the ministry boasted that it can fly via “pre-programmed coordinates or direct guidance,” it added that it also comes with “reliable control and video transmission systems.” It can also return to base to be reused if it “does not complete the mission,” the press release says. The press release did not elaborate on the drone’s manufacturer or the origin of its name. Various Ukrainian arms makers have unveiled similar jet-powered interceptor drones as Russia’s use of high-speed jet-powered drones became more frequent, with the military warning in June that half of the Russian drones used in future attacks could be jet-powered. Military expert Oleh Katkov noted in a recent interview with RBC Ukraine that the new, jet-powered Geran drones are approaching cruise missiles in design and capability. In July, Firebolt Engineering, a UK-Ukrainian arms maker, said its Griffen jet-powered drone successfully destroyed a Russian Shahed drone in the first interception of its kind in Ukraine. Firebolt Engineering said the Griffen can fly faster than 350 kph (217 mph), with an operating altitude of over 7,500 meters (24,606 feet) and a range of up to 120 km (75 miles). Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.