A Kremlin-linked media outlet has published rare footage reportedly showing a Russian air-defense drone intercepting and destroying a Ukrainian long-range loitering one-way attack drone, best known as a kamikaze drone.
The interception highlights a new layer in Russia’s evolving counter-drone strategy amid continued long-range strikes by Ukraine.
The video shows the downing of two different Ukrainian drones: one identified as the FP-1, and another described as a modified E-300 SkyRanger light aircraft platform converted into a one-way strike drone. Both platforms are known for their extended range and ability to bypass traditional air defense systems by flying at low altitude.
The footage, reportedly filmed over Russian territory, documents a rare instance of an aerial drone-on-drone engagement. According to Russian sources, the interceptor is part of a newly deployed class of air-defense UAVs capable of autonomously detecting and engaging targets based on data from mobile radar systems.
The E-300-based drone systems have reportedly been used in past Ukrainian operations, including strikes on the Shahed drone production facility in Alabuga and attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
While the exact variant of the Russian interceptor drone remains undisclosed, the media source claimed that recent gains in mobile radar acquisition have improved early detection capabilities. Russian forces have reportedly integrated radars of Chinese—and possibly Israeli—origin into their domestic airspace monitoring network, specifically to detect and track low-flying, small radar cross-section UAVs.
Russia’s move toward using airborne interceptors follows repeated high-profile attacks by Ukrainian long-range drones deep inside its territory. Ukrainian forces have routinely used aircraft-converted drones and deep-range strike UAVs to target oil refineries, logistics hubs, drone production lines, and airbases. These attacks have caused disruptions far from the front lines and forced Moscow to redeploy air defense assets across its interior.
While Russian footage highlighted the successful interceptions, Ukrainian sources have previously stated that such drones are intentionally used in swarms to saturate air defense systems, accepting some losses in exchange for strategic breakthroughs.