KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s Defence Forces have added Alexa Spatium, the country’s first domestically developed jet-powered drone interceptor, to their arsenal, the Ministry of Defence announced.
Developed by Ukrainian engineers, the high-speed unmanned aircraft is designed to detect and destroy small aerial, ground and surface targets in combat conditions. Its main purpose is to intercept Russian one-way attack drones, including the Geran-3, Geran-4, Geran-5 and Shahed-131. It can also engage reconnaissance drones, helicopters and other individual targets.
Alexa Spatium is powered by a turbojet engine, unlike conventional propeller-driven drones. According to the ministry, the engine provides a substantial combat radius, rapid altitude gain and a flight envelope covering low to medium flight levels. During testing, the interceptor met the tactical and technical specifications stated by its manufacturer.
The aircraft measures approximately 1.5 metres by 1.7 metres and has a lightweight, durable composite airframe designed to provide manoeuvrability for sharp turns while maintaining controllability. It combines a high maximum speed with a low minimum speed to allow fuel conservation when required.
For target detection, Alexa Spatium uses television and infrared search-and-sighting systems. It can fly to pre-programmed coordinates or operate under direct real-time guidance and has secure control and video-transmission systems.
The interceptor can carry different warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation, shaped-charge and thermobaric warheads, allowing it to be configured for different targets.
The system is launched from a mobile catapult and can be prepared and launched within several minutes with minimal site preparation. Preparation and launch can be conducted remotely, reducing personnel requirements at the operating position. Its modular and highly automated design allows all components to be transported in a standard pickup truck.
If the interceptor does not complete its mission or engage a target, it is designed to return to the launch site for reuse.
The Ministry of Defence said Alexa Spatium was developed for rapid response, fast deployment and swift mission execution. The announcement comes as Ukraine expands domestic unmanned-aircraft production. Since the beginning of 2026, the ministry has codified and authorised 413 unmanned aircraft systems for use by the Defence Forces, with almost all manufactured domestically.
The manufacturer of Alexa Spatium has not been disclosed.
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