ST. PETERSBURG, — Russian defence company DOFA-Tech has presented its new DF-3 Gadyuka (Viper) jet-powered interceptor drone at Drone Congress 2026 in St. Petersburg, held from October 7 to 9. The system is designed to intercept groups of incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and return to base for reuse.
According to DOFA-Tech general director Marat Drofa, the Gadyuka is designed to engage 15 to 20 UAVs during a single sortie. Unlike disposable interceptors that destroy targets by ramming them, the DF-3 is intended to use onboard automatic weapons to engage incoming drones.
Speed, Range and Performance
Company-provided information lists the Gadyuka's maximum speed at 850 km/h, cruising speed at approximately 650 km/h, flight range at up to 800 kilometres, endurance of up to 60 minutes and take-off weight of approximately 240 kilograms.
The drone differs from Russia's Yolka interceptor, which reaches approximately 200 km/h and destroys targets through direct impact. The Gadyuka's proposed combination of higher speed, onboard weapons and reusability is intended to support defence against large-scale drone attacks.
DOFA-Tech technical director Vitaly Dobrovolsky explained that after engaging targets, the Gadyuka would return to its base airfield, refuel, replenish its ammunition and prepare for another sortie. This operating cycle is intended to allow repeated missions without losing the aircraft after each engagement.
Development Status and Other Projects
The DF-3 Gadyuka remains at the technical development stage, and its reported performance figures represent projected capabilities rather than confirmed operational results.
DOFA-Tech is also developing the DF-1 Roscherk, a disposable jet-powered interceptor weighing approximately 15 kilograms and designed to reach 500 km/h. It has entered factory testing and is at a more advanced development stage than the Gadyuka.
The company's other project, the DF-5 Iskra, is a long-range strike drone concept designed for a projected range of up to 1,200 kilometres. Both the Gadyuka and Iskra remain in early development.
The Gadyuka represents DOFA-Tech's effort to develop reusable, high-speed interceptors capable of engaging multiple drones in one mission, potentially reducing reliance on disposable systems when countering coordinated UAV attacks. Its operational effectiveness will need to be established through further development and testing.
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