Ukrainian drones against the Shahed: Kyiv region launches unique defense project
11 July 19:42
The innovative defense project “Clear Sky” is gaining momentum in the Kyiv region as a response to the air threat from Russian drones. The head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, Mykola Kalashnyk, wrote about this on his Facebook page on July 11, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The initiative, which was launched just four months ago, is already showing exceptional results and proves that technology, cohesion and strategic thinking can change the rules of the game on the battlefield.
The Clear Sky project started as an experiment in cooperation between the military, regional authorities and business representatives. Its goal was to create a system for rapid interception of enemy drones using Ukrainian UAVs. At a time when enemy attack drones are terrorizing Ukrainian cities, this approach not only saved infrastructure but also saved civilian lives. Unique tactics and technological adaptation have made Clear Sky an exclusive defense solution in Ukraine.
The project currently involves 12 crews that have already made almost 650 successful intercepts. These figures are not just statistics, but proof of the effectiveness of an integrated approach: from technical support to local coordination.
Mykola Kalashnyk emphasized that one of the driving forces behind the initiative was financial support from business. It is the private sector that provides rewards to the military for each downing of an enemy drone. This incentive system works as well as any technological solution, as it motivates crews to act quickly and decisively.
The project has a significant training component: a training base was set up in Kyiv region to train interceptor drone pilots. In a short time, the number of crews ready for combat duty has tripled. The base not only trains drone operators, but also forms a community of experts capable of sharing experiences and improving tactics to counter enemy air attacks in combat.
It is worth noting that the Clear Sky initiative is not localized to Kyiv region alone. The project is currently being actively scaled up in other regions of Ukraine. Its concept and organizational model are already being implemented by representatives of other regions where people also need protection from aerial terror.
According to the head of the Kyiv CAA, the support of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has given the Clear Sky project national importance, as it is about creating a holistic, flexible security system. In the face of a constant threat from the air, Ukrainians are once again proving that they are able to respond quickly, technologically and with the needs of the front line in mind.
What else you need to know about the Clear Sky project
As of July 11, interceptor drones have neutralized or completely destroyed 550 Russian attack drones. This was announced by the head of the Kyiv City Administration , Tymur Tkachenko.
In addition, it became known that 260 million hryvnias are planned to be allocated for the initiative. These funds will be used to set up an operator training center, a specialized structure where specialists in the management of interceptor drones will be trained.
It will also allow the formation of additional mobile units that will be on duty in the capital and on the outskirts of the city.
Ukraine is developing the latest air defense system: important details
On the occasion of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy ‘s state visit to Denmark on July 3, 2025, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and CEO of the American company Swift Beat Eric Schmidt officially signed a strategic memorandum. The document establishes the production on priority terms and the supply at cost of a large volume of unmanned systems (primarily interceptors, quadcopters and medium-class attack drones) for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Under the terms of the agreement, Swift Beat is to supply hundreds of thousands of drones to Ukraine by the end of 2025. The government plans to increase production capacity in 2026.
The list of such systems includes:
- interceptor drones to destroy Russian UAVs and cruise missiles;
- quadcopters for reconnaissance, surveillance, fire control, and logistics;
- medium-class strike drones to engage enemy human targets.
Swift Beat is a US-registered company with an active presence in Ukraine. It specializes in autonomous drones with artificial intelligence elements and actively cooperates with Ukrainian engineers and the military, conducting field tests of national developments. Structurally, this company is related to Volya Robotics OÜ from Estonia, run by Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and Pentagon innovation advisor.
In addition, joint work is planned on innovative developments such as automatic turrets, reconnaissance platforms, and interceptors for cruise and ballistic missiles.
After the memorandum was approved, the Ukrainian side also received a guaranteed priority in the supply of ammunition. Officials emphasized that drones will be the main means of protecting cities, critical infrastructure, and people. The supply will be made at the cost of production, which will allow for a rapid scale-up of the operational readiness of Ukrainian air defense and intelligence units.
This memorandum is an important step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. According to Defense Minister Umerov, the issue is primarily one of technological superiority over the enemy. And President Zelensky called the agreement an example of interstate cooperation in the joint production of drones of the future.
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