Ukraine's next weapon against Russian drones is this slightly odd tiny robot which fires nets into the air in all directions

Date:
Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:10:00 +0000

Description:
Ukraine's VORON ground robot uses net launchers to intercept FPV drones while supporting logistics, evacuation, reconnaissance, and other frontline missions.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Ukraine develops ground robot firing nets against incoming FPV drone attacks VORON combines drone interception with logistics and battlefield evacuation capabilities effectively Net launchers attempt physical drone captures instead of
explosive aerial interceptions Ukrainian firm SMART BIRDS has introduced an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) called VORON, built specifically to intercept first-person view drones from multiple directions simultaneously.

The system relies on Pavuk net launchers, a defensive mechanism designed to trap incoming drones before they reach their intended target. The system was unveiled during a closed demonstration organized by the Technological Forces of Ukraine. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: Net-launching system functions for drone capture Each VORON platform can carry up to eight net launcher modules, allowing coverage against threats approaching from any angle around the vehicle.

The system engages targets at distances reaching 45 meters, with nets fully deploying after traveling 5 meters and forming a defensive radius of 5
meters. You may like Ukraine's heavy bomber drones airdrop ARK-1 mine-laying robots behind Russian lines Ukraine debuts 'Tsyklop' UAV that mimics the peregrine falcon but explodes on target First UAVs that can stalk and kill Russian Shahed drones autonomously have been battle-tested in the Kharkiv region

Every two-barrel module weighs 4 kg, and operators can reload and fire the launchers repeatedly during a single engagement.

A human operator triggers the system manually through a control panel, using an onboard camera to visually confirm each threat before firing. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting
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"The UGV operator, having seen a threat through the camera, can fire a shot from the control panel, a company representative said.

The equipped net gun has two nets for shooting, installed at different angles relative to the horizon, which allows you to neutralize both the "waiting drone" and the drone on the approach. If necessary, the net gun can be recharged and fired repeatedly."

This dual-angle configuration suggests engineers anticipated drones adopting either stationary or approach-based attack patterns. What to read next
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launcher be next? 'Not 300 but almost': A lone Ukrainian robot held a key position against hordes of Russian attackers for a staggering 45 days Additional roles beyond drone interception According to SMART BIRDS, the
VORON platform serves purposes extending well beyond countering aerial threats.

This system also serves for logistics support, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, and minelaying operations.

The unmanned vehicle weighs 120 kg yet can transport payloads of up to 250 kg under standard conditions.

Figures released by the company claim that the carrying capacity can increase to as much as 400 kg over shorter distances.

"We expected that sometimes the UGV would also have to evacuate personnel, so we built in increased lifting capacity," says a company representative.

The UGVs top speed reaches 15 kilometers per hour, while the platform's operational range extends to 30 kilometers on a single battery charge.

These specifications place VORON within a category of lightweight ground robots meant for frontline support rather than heavy transport duties.

The vehicle remains in the codification process required for formal military adoption, and the company has indicated plans to integrate further mission-specific modules later.

As of the time of writing, all figures on the interception range and reliability of this device rest solely on manufacturer statements.

Without independent verification from military testing bodies or combat deployment records, these figures remain uncertain.

Net-based counter-drone systems face inherent limitations, particularly against fast-moving or evasive drone maneuvers that could avoid capture entirely.

Whether VORON performs consistently across varied battlefield conditions weather, terrain, electronic interference remains an open question until broader field data emerges from actual deployment.

Via Oboronka Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/ukraines-next-weapon-against-russian-drones-is-t his-tiny-robot-which-fires-nets-into-the-air-in-all-directions


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