Ukraine testing low-cost missiles to down Shahed drones, plans mass production by autumn – Fedorov

Ukraine is developing low-cost missiles designed to intercept Russian Shahed-type drones, with several solutions already undergoing testing.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said this at a meeting with journalists, Ukrinform reports.

He said the project is being carried out on the instructions of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Following the President's directive, we are currently focused on developing low-cost missiles to shoot down Shahed drones. We have already identified near-ready solutions and have begun testing them," Fedorov said.

According to the minister, Ukraine plans to scale up production of such missiles by tens of times and build up sufficient stockpiles before the autumn-winter period.

"We aim to scale and reduce the cost of interceptor missiles to prepare for the emergence of jet-powered Shaheds," he said.

Fedorov added that the new interceptor missiles are expected to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure alongside interceptor drones. To support the effort, the government is providing grants, expanding production capacity, and relaunching team recruitment.

Earlier reports said that growing cooperation between Russia and Iran on drone procurement is linked to Moscow's efforts to reduce reliance on high-precision missiles, which cost millions of dollars each.

Photo: Ukrainian Defense Ministry