Estonia creates a cheap interceptor to destroy the Shahed«

Estonia creates cheap Shahed interceptor«

As reported by The Telegraph, Estonian engineers have created Mark 1 - A new generation of mini-missiles «ground-to-air», intended for interception of drones, In particular, the Iranian «Shahedov», which Russia is actively using in its war against Ukraine.

The development was initiated as a response to frequent drone incursions into NATO airspace and the need for a cheaper alternative to expensive air defence systems.

Mark 1 features

Rocket Mark 1 has a length of just 65 centimetres and costs about $50 thousand - it is in 80 times cheaper, than a rocket Patriot, the price of which reaches $4 million.

For comparison, the cost of drones «Shahed» is approximately $20 thousand, The use of super-expensive missiles to destroy them is not economically viable.

Rocket with artificial intelligence elements

Former official of the Estonian Ministry of Defence Kalle Salm explained that the Mark 1 is equipped with artificial intelligence system, which allows the missile independently aim at the target after the launch.

Thanks to this technology, the Mark 1 resistant to electronic jamming, which is actively used by Russian troops to protect their drones and cruise missiles.

Mass production

The developers have already opened two plants in NATO countries, that are able to to produce hundreds of Mark 1 missiles daily.

According to analysts, this technology can become a key element of the West's defence in the coming years, especially given the increase in drone attacks.