Ukraine’s Phantom Defense announces acquisition of net launcher developer Karakurt, integration of its technologies

Ukrainian defense technology firm Phantom Defense has finalized its acquisition of net launcher developer Karakurt, integrating the company's technologies and team into its own. This strategic move, according to a Phantom Defense spokesperson, presents new avenues for scaling and enhancing the effectiveness of their product, which has demonstrated high performance in real combat conditions.

By incorporating drone net interception capabilities into their ecosystem, Phantom Defense aims to bolster the defense of frontline units and infrastructure against various unmanned threats. The Karakurt net-drop system operates by physically intercepting drones without causing kinetic damage, and its adaptable modules are compatible with popular drone platforms such as DJI Mavic, Matrice, and Autel, as well as FPV drones and specialized equipment.

With individual modules weighing as little as 201 grams, the system has been in use by Ukrainian military units, who have reportedly deployed over 50,000 units in the past six months. Moreover, a single team from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine utilized the system to intercept more than 500 enemy drones during a six-month period.

As part of the deal, Phantom Defense has also showcased their Mangal system for close-range drone interception. Phantom Defense is a Ukrainian company specializing in an integrated ecosystem for countering unmanned threats, encompassing electronic warfare, target detection systems, kinetic weapons, and a situational awareness and combat management platform.