{
  "id": 14291151,
  "title": "Phantom Defense Buys Developer of KARAKURT Drone Net Launchers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/phantom-defense-buys-developer-of-karakurt-drone-net-launchers",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-13T20:33:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Kyiv Post",
    "slug": "kyiv-post",
    "url": "https://www.kyivpost.com/post/86969"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian defense technology firm Phantom Defense has acquired the developer of KARAKURT drone net launchers, bringing a low-cost, non-explosive interceptor to frontline units. The deal encompasses the entire business and its team, though the company did not disclose the developer's name or investment amount. This acquisition broadens Phantom Defense's expertise from electronic warfare, target detection, kinetic interception, and battle management software to physical drone capture. The KARAKURT module envelops a target drone in a net, grounding its rotors and halting its flight. Enemy reconnaissance or strike drones lose control and descend largely intact, with the downed drones potentially analyzed or repurposed by Ukraine’s Defense Forces, minimizing collateral damage. Net launchers are cheaper to produce and maintain compared to missile or artillery-based air defense systems, enabling large-scale deployment along the front line. The product exists in two main configurations: vertical drop for DJI Mavic, Matrice, and Autel platforms, and forward-firing for FPV and LS variants. Phantom Defense claims modules weighing as little as 201 grams have minimal impact on the carrier drone's maneuverability or flight endurance. The company has documented over 5,000 video-confirmed interceptions using the net modules in a program offering free replacement consumables for footage of successful kills. Phantom Defense's acquisition of KARAKURT aligns with the demand for affordable short-range interception among military units and paves the way for scaling a product with combat experience. Additionally, the firm introduced MANGAL, a close-range net interception system integrated into its counter-UAS ecosystem. MANGAL uses AI alongside daylight and thermal imaging cameras to automatically detect and identify aerial threats, launching a net within one second of detection. The modular system carries six net launchers, engages targets between five and 15 meters away, and has a battery providing at least eight hours of autonomous operation. Phantom Defense employs over 620 people and operates nine production facilities with a daily output exceeding 100 drones and 200 electronic warfare devices.",
  "summary": "Ukrainian counter-drone company Phantom Defense has acquired the full business and team behind KARAKURT net launchers, which military units have used in more than 50,000 kits over six months. It also introduced MANGAL, an AI-guided system with six net launchers and a one-second response time, built to protect vehicles, positions and unmanned ground vehicles.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}