AviationNews – A new US–Ukraine joint venture aims to produce high-speed interceptor drones designed to hunt down and destroy threats like the Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions. The partnership between the US-based AIRO Group and Ukraine’s Bullet (Degree-Trans LLC) leverages combat-proven Ukrainian designs for US, NATO, and Ukrainian forces.
Announced recently, the 50/50 joint venture intends to industrialize Ukraine’s innovative counter-drone technology for Western production lines. The focus is on the “Bullet” interceptor drone, a platform developed and tested against real-world threats during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Target customers include the US military, NATO allies, and Ukraine itself.
The Bullet drone boasts impressive performance, reportedly reaching speeds of up to 300 mph (approximately 450 km/h) with an operational range near 200 km. It features modular payload bays capable of carrying kinetic warheads or other systems designed specifically to intercept and neutralize both one-way attack drones like the Shahed and smaller reconnaissance UAVs.
“This partnership unites the innovation and front-line experience of Ukrainian engineers with AIRO’s manufacturing and program-management expertise,” said Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, Executive Chairman of AIRO Group. “Joining forces with AIRO allows Bullet to expand our proven interceptor technology into new markets,” added Viacheslav Lvovych, Director of Bullet.
This collaboration signifies a strategic move to quickly bring effective, battle-tested counter-drone solutions to Western markets. It addresses the urgent need identified by US, NATO, and Ukraine for reliable defenses against the growing threat of low-cost, attritable attack drones.
In summary, the AIRO Group and Bullet joint venture represents a significant step in scaling up Ukraine’s defense innovations for broader allied use. The high-speed Bullet drone promises a capable new tool to protect forces and infrastructure from the persistent danger posed by Shahed-type threats.