Defense Ministry purchases 8,000 Octopus interceptor drones for AFU
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is purchasing 8,000 Octopus interceptor drones to strengthen air defense and increase the interception of enemy aerial targets by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to Ukrinform, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated this on its website.
Octopus is an interceptor designed to counter Shahed-type attack drones, with automatic target tracking, developed within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The system has already proven effective in combat conditions.
A total of 29 Ukrainian companies, along with the government of the United Kingdom, have joined production after receiving the appropriate licenses. Four manufacturers have already signed state contracts for supply.
This approach allows rapid scaling of the technology and ensures that the Defense Forces are equipped with the necessary tools.
Scaling became possible thanks to a government decision that opened the transfer of military technologies to Ukrainian manufacturers—something that previously did not exist.
The state has systematically opened access to military developments for scaling through Ukraine's defense-industrial complex while preserving intellectual property rights.
The Octopus interceptor demonstrates consistent effectiveness in various conditions:
- destroys targets day and night;
- operates under electronic warfare (EW) conditions;
- is effective at low altitudes.
According to Ukraine's Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov, the ministry ensures the full scaling cycle—from technology transfer to procurement and delivery to troops. This enables rapid production growth and meets frontline needs, while also developing Ukraine's defense industry and demonstrating effective public-private partnership.
"On the President's instructions, we are scaling effective air defense solutions to achieve the goals: 100% detection and at least 95% neutralization of enemy aerial targets," the defense chief concluded.
As Ukrinform reported, Ukraine has received mobile F-16 Fighting Falcon simulators, which will accelerate pilot training, improve interception efficiency, and strengthen airspace protection.
Photo: Ministry of Defense