Ukrainian-Made ‘Predator‘ Turret Adapts Air Defense Tech to Counter Drone Swarms in Ukraine
Ukraine’s UGV Robotics is rapidly deploying a novel automated gun turret, originally conceived for naval drones, to the front lines to combat the escalating threat of First-Person View (FPV) drones. The “predator” system, capable of hitting targets up to seven inches in size at 100 meters, has already been demonstrated to NATO and is slated for immediate deployment with Ukrainian forces.
Developed initially as a defensive system for unmanned surface vessels,the Predator turret’s adaptation highlights Ukraine’s innovative response to the challenges posed by drone warfare. UGV Robotics CEO stated the prosperous integration of the system into a waterproof dome for naval use was “an extremely complex process,” but the company believes its effectiveness translates seamlessly to land-based applications. The turret fires 7.62 caliber bullets and utilizes gyroscopic stabilization, optical sensors, and artificial intelligence for autonomous target detection, alerting the operator before engaging.
The system’s core functionality lies in its ability to identify and track drones, presenting the operator with the option to lock on and fire. Beyond naval applications, the Predator has proven versatile, capable of being mounted on tracked vehicles or even pick-up trucks, enabling mobile defense against aerial threats. UGV Robotics is already producing over 30 “Ancestor” units – the current model – and aims to scale production to approximately 100 per month within six months, with a unit cost of under $100,000 for the Ukrainian military.
The company showcased the Predator at a NATO “Innovation Challenge” focused on countering FPV drones and recently demonstrated its capabilities remotely during a NATO test event in France. UGV Robotics is actively pursuing sales to NATO member states, with reported interest from multiple countries. Looking ahead, the company plans to develop the “apex Predator,” a larger turret firing .50-caliber rounds for engaging more substantial targets.