The Ukrainian drone interception system Varta presented at Drone Summit 2025 in Riga

At the Drone Summit 2025 exhibition in Riga, the Ukrainian company Varta presented its drone interception system, Varta DroneHunter. The device is designed for the kinetic destruction of small and medium-sized drones on the battlefield.

Varta DroneHunter is mounted on FPV drone copters and features two paired 12-gauge barrels. Its recoil suppression system operates on the principle of simultaneous counterfire. The device is equipped with electrically initiated anti-drone charges, providing an effective strike range of 5–20 metres.

According to the developers, the 2.3 kg device can be integrated into drones measuring between 7 and 15 inches. The basic kit costs €300 and includes an ammunition load of 12 rounds. The system is currently undergoing combat testing with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is in the codification phase at the Ministry of Defence. It is already available on the Brave1 Market military marketplace.

For optimal performance, the developers have opted against direct sales. Instead, they request that users provide their drones, which are then fitted and calibrated with the system by the company. After laboratory testing and adjustment, the fully configured system is returned to the customer.

Key advantages of the DroneHunter include complete independence from GPS signals and frequency jamming, making it effective even against fibre-optic-controlled drones. The device physically disables targets, while the recoilless design minimises the impact of firing on the host drone.

The system has been tested in both laboratory and field conditions, complies with NATO standards, and is compatible with various drone models. Its aerodynamics are optimised for stable flight paths, and the high density of striking elements ensures effective neutralisation of targets within the impact zone.

DroneHunter can be deployed in a range of scenarios, including front-line engagements to counter enemy reconnaissance and strike drones, protection of strategic infrastructure, and defence of mobile convoys operating in high-risk areas.

Varta is also developing a new interceptor model featuring four 12-gauge barrels and more powerful ammunition. This version is currently undergoing testing and is expected to engage large drones and ground-based robotic systems at distances of up to 50 metres.

The company’s portfolio also includes anti-drone shooting systems with stabilisation mechanisms—Kozak and Hetman — as well as anti-drone cartridges such as Sich, Bulava, and Ataman. Varta cooperates with drone manufacturers including LuckyStrike.