Meet STING: Ukraine’s Mass-Produced Drone That Hunts Russian Shaheds
Ukraine has begun large-scale production of the STING interceptor drone, an affordable defensive solution designed to counter Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions. The system’s developers confirmed its serial production and the launch of an operator training center on November 5, as reported by Militarnyi.
Created by the Wild Wasps team, STING was intended to be inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Developers stated the initiative received hundreds of thousands of dollars in investment and took over a year to develop before entering full-scale production.
“In four months of serial output, Ukrainian forces using STING have destroyed more than 1,000 enemy drones of the Shahed and Gerbera types,” the development team reported.
Nearly half of these interceptions occurred in October alone. Production continues to expand rapidly, with Militarnyi noting that STING is built for simple assembly and deployment in large numbers.
Design and Technical Features
- Lightweight quadcopter design with a raised central dome.
- The dome contains both the warhead and the onboard camera.
- Launch-ready from any flat surface without the need for a catapult.
- Operational setup time is approximately 15 minutes.
- Effective engagement range of up to 25 kilometers.
- Compatible with standard FPV stations; optimal with a ground control system and Hornet Vision digital link.
According to Militarnyi, the STING system exemplifies Ukraine’s focus on rapid, scalable defense technologies capable of effectively countering aerial threats.
Author’s Summary
Ukraine’s STING interceptor drone combines simplicity, low cost, and efficiency, marking a notable leap in countering Shahed-type drones through scalable local production.