Most drone interceptors ram or explode. This Ukrainian one just throws a net—six shots to a module
The Mangal launcher carries two cameras, picks out drones on its own, and mounts on a vehicle or a fixed post.
A Ukrainian defense company, Phantom Defense, has unveiled a novel method for downing FPV drones in a tech conference in Lviv, as reported by dev.ua. The system, named Mangal, is currently a prototype but could enter the market within months. Ukraine is engaged in a competitive race to develop counter-drone technologies, including jammers, interceptor drones, and net-throwers to mitigate Russia's increasing utilization of inexpensive FPVs.
The Mangal interceptor is designed to protect positions, vehicles, and other targets from enemy drones. It utilizes a modular launcher that fires a weighted net with sinkers. Once fired, the net expands instantly, ensnaring the drone and pulling it down. Each module holds six charges, enabling six successful interceptions before replacement is required. Two cameras on board provide the operator with a clearer line of sight, and the system possesses autonomous target detection capabilities, expediting threat identification.
The Mangal interceptor can be permanently fixed to defend checkpoints, trenches, or infrastructure, or it can be mounted onto a vehicle for mobility. The primary reason for employing a net as an interception method is that FPV drones, piloted by small and swift aircraft, pose a significant threat along the front lines. A single shot would struggle to hit such a target. However, a net disperses as it travels, making it a more forgiving option for aiming.
Although the exact range of Mangal's net is undisclosed by Phantom Defense or the media outlets covering the launch, other net-based countermeasure systems are also being developed. The WINFLY Spider, for instance, is an interceptor drone that snags a target in a net and returns to its launch point intact, costing around $27 per interception.
This allows a single aircraft to repeatedly intercept drones rather than being expended on a single kill. Additionally, Scan Horizon, developed by Postup Solutions in Wrocław, Poland, pairs a net launcher with a Ukrainian-made device, offering a net reach of approximately 30 meters. Contra Drone has also demonstrated interceptor missiles capable of carrying net warheads alongside alternative options.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
