{
  "id": 12162953,
  "title": "Ukraine and Belgium develop breakthrough missile to destroy jet-powered drones",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/ukraine-and-belgium-develop-breakthrough-missile-to-destroy-jet",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T13:57:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Voice of Ukraine",
    "slug": "new-voice-of-ukraine",
    "url": "https://english.nv.ua/nation/ukraine-belgium-develop-laser-guided-anti-drone-missile-50647270.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Belgium and a Ukrainian defense company are jointly developing a 70-mm laser-guided missile aimed at effectively neutralizing enemy drones, including those with jet propulsion, according to Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken. Speaking on October 5, Francken emphasized the missile's potential as a cost-effective and highly effective alternative to expensive air defense systems. He claimed that the missile could be fired from various platforms, such as an F-16 or a lightweight vehicle, highlighting its affordability and advanced technology. The project is currently in the testing phase, with expectations that it could significantly enhance the Ukrainian Armed Forces' capability to counter large-scale drone attacks, particularly those involving jet-powered drones like the Geran-type. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on September 18 that interceptors from two companies successfully passed combat tests, destroying high-speed Russian drones. On September 21, Vluchnyk, a Ukrainian company, reported completing internal testing of its new Zorelit v5 anti-aircraft interceptor drone, designed to target reconnaissance and attack drones, including jet-powered UAVs. Additionally, Zelenskyy disclosed on September 23 during a U.N. General Assembly address that Ukrainian forces had successfully tested four new interceptors against jet-powered drones.",
  "summary": "Belgium and a Ukrainian defense company are developing 70-mm laser-guided missiles designed to effectively destroy enemy drones, including jet-powered ones, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said on Oct. 5.",
  "key_points": [
    "Belgium and Ukrainian defense company collaborate on 70-mm laser-guided missile",
    "Missile designed to neutralize enemy drones, including jet-powered ones",
    "Testing phase aims to enhance Ukrainian Armed Forces' drone counter capabilities"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Romania says two dead after fire on ship, Ukraine blames Russian drones",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/romania-says-two-dead-after-fire-on-ship-ukraine-blames-russian-drones",
        "published": "2026-10-05T12:46:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}