The Octopus system is an interceptor developed within the Armed Forces of Ukraine to counter Shahed-type attack drones, featuring automatic terminal guidance. Officials said the system has already proven effective in combat conditions.
A total of 29 Ukrainian companies holding the necessary licences, along with the United Kingdom Government, have joined production efforts. Four manufacturers have already signed state contracts for supply, enabling the rapid scaling of the technology.
The ministry said this approach allows for swift expansion of production while ensuring that Ukrainian forces receive the required capabilities. It added that scaling became possible after a government decision to allow the transfer of military technologies to domestic manufacturers, a mechanism that had not previously existed.
Authorities said the state has systematically opened access to military developments to support scaling through Ukraine’s defence industry, while preserving intellectual property rights. This policy is designed to strengthen industrial capacity alongside operational effectiveness.
According to the ministry, the Octopus interceptor has demonstrated consistent performance in varied operational conditions. It is capable of destroying targets both day and night, operating in electronic warfare environments, and remaining effective at low altitudes.
“The Ministry of Defence provides a full end-to-end scaling cycle — from technology transfer to procurement and delivery to the forces. This enables the rapid expansion of production and helps meet frontline requirements. At the same time, it supports the development of Ukraine’s defence industry and serves as an example of an effective public-private partnership, where combat technologies are rapidly scaled into serial production. Under the President’s directive, we are scaling effective air defence solutions to achieve the following goals: 100% detection and at least 95% neutralisation of enemy aerial targets,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov.
