Ukrainian-born aviation production holding Skyeton has integrated a new anti-interceptor capability into its flagship unmanned aerial system, Raybird. The feature is designed to enhance platform survivability during long-duration ISR and ISTAR missions in contested airspace.
The upgrade allows the aircraft to detect hostile interceptor drones in real-time and alert the operator when evasive action is needed to avoid potential engagement. The solution is now part of serial production and is being integrated into operational systems.
This upgrade addresses one of the most critical and rapidly evolving threats to aerial reconnaissance platforms. The proliferation of interceptor drones has fundamentally changed the operational environment, requiring UAV systems to move beyond passive survivability and incorporate active threat response mechanisms.
The anti-interceptor capability is built as a multi-layered solution that combines detection systems and adaptive flight behavior. It is designed to increase the probability of mission completion while preserving the aircraft, particularly during deep reconnaissance operations where endurance and persistence are essential.
Roman Knyazhenko, CEO of Skyeton: “We take a very rigorous approach to every upgrade. Our primary goal is to make the Raybird more survivable in the most extreme conditions. We carefully studied comparable solutions and technologies available across the industry and tested them extensively. Based on these results, we selected the most effective approach – one that significantly improves the aircraft’s ability to withstand threats from interceptor drones.”
The introduction of this feature reflects Skyeton’s broader engineering approach: evolving the platform not through isolated upgrades but through systemic improvements that address real operational challenges. Combat experience has shown that survivability is defined by a combination of endurance, altitude, detection capability, and adaptive response.
Raybird’s modular architecture allows such upgrades to be integrated not only into newly produced systems but also into previously delivered aircraft, extending their operational relevance in a rapidly changing threat landscape.
About Raybird UAS:
Raybird is a small tactical unmanned aviation system designed for long-duration ISR and ISTAR missions.
Key characteristics (ICE version):
- Flight endurance: 28+ hours
- Maximum flight range: 2,500+ km
- Operating ceiling: 5,500 m
- Real-time data link: 200+ km, or unlimited with SATCOM integration
- Payload capacity: 5–10 kg
- Propulsion: EFI four-stroke gasoline engine
- Operating temperatures: -35°C to +55°C
Raybird supports a wide range of interchangeable payloads, including gyro-stabilized multisensor gimbals, aerial cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and radio frequency locators.