The Ukrainian defence company «Vluchnik» has completed in-house testing at a proving ground of its new «Zorelit v5» interceptor drone. The drone was designed to counter reconnaissance and strike drones, in particular high-speed jet-powered drones such as the «Geran-3» and «Geran-4».
• The «Zorelit v5» can reach speeds of up to 416 km/h.
• Claimed flight range — up to 47 km.
• At a cruising speed of 200 km/h, the drone can remain airborne for up to 17 minutes.
• The interceptor is equipped with automatic target detection and guidance systems.
• Combat trials are scheduled for the end of September.
«Zorelite v5» has completed its in-house testing
According to «Military», the company «Vluchnik» has completed a full cycle of in-house tests on the new version of the interceptor.
The developer states that the device has met the key specified performance criteria and is now ready to be offered to military units under direct contracts. The codification process is ongoing in parallel.
The top speed of the «Zorelita v5» is up to 416 km/h, and the flight range is — up to 47 km.
At cruising speed of approximately 200 km/h The drone can remain airborne for up to 17 minutes. According to specialist publications, the weight of the warhead is approximately 400 grams, whilst *Military* notes that the design allows for the fitting of a warhead weighing approximately 300–600 grams, depending on the configuration.
What was the purpose behind the development of the new interceptor?
«Zorelit v5»is designed primarily to engage air targets along their flight path.".
The stated objectives include:
- reconnaissance UAVs;
- attack drones powered by internal combustion engines;
- «Gerbera»;
- «Geran-2»;
- the «Geran-3» and «Geranium-4».
According to the developer, the aircraft’s speed should be sufficient to intercept targets moving at approximately 300–350 km/h.
Automatic detection and tracking
One of the key features of the new interceptor is its ability to automate part of the flight. The drone can be equipped with an automatic target detection system using computer vision algorithms, as well as a function for automatic guidance during the final stage of the interception.
Integration with the system is also provided for SkyMap. It is designed to ensure that the drone automatically flies to the target’s location and calculates the optimal flight path, taking into account its remaining power. Furthermore, the manufacturer states that the drone can be controlled remotely and that video can be streamed via the internet.
«Zorelit v5» was developed on the basis of the previous version
The new drone is a further development of the «Zorelita v4». According to the company, the previous model has already seen combat use, has been adopted for service and has been assigned a NATO Stock Number (NSN). Some of the solutions tested on the v4 have been incorporated into the new version. Before being handed over to the customer, each interceptor undergoes a test flight. The company also states that it retains video recordings of the tests and marks the products to track specific components and assemblies.
When will the combat trials begin?
Field trials of the «Zorelita v5» are scheduled for late September 2026. At the same time, the manufacturer is already supplying the interceptor to military units under direct contracts. Depending on the configuration, the cost of a single unit ranges from 70.3 thousand to 95.9 thousand UAH. Once the codification process is complete, the manufacturer also plans to make the drone available via the eBaly procurement system.
