Ukraine’s defence ministry says Alexa Spatium is country’s first jet-powered drone interceptor for Russian Geran and Shahed UAVs

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

Unmanned systems |
Ukraine’s defence ministry says Alexa Spatium is country’s first jet-powered drone interceptor for Russian Geran and Shahed UAVs

Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

Ukraine has added Alexa Spatium, its first domestically developed jet-powered drone interceptor, to the arsenal of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence said. The high-speed aircraft was designed to destroy small aerial, ground and surface targets under combat conditions.

The interceptor is intended primarily to target Russian Geran-3, Geran-4 and Geran-5 kamikaze drones, along with the Shahed-131. It can also engage reconnaissance drones, helicopters and other individual targets.

Alexa Spatium met the tactical and technical specifications stated by its manufacturer during testing, according to the ministry. Its turbojet engine provides a high operating ceiling, a substantial combat radius and a flight envelope extending from low to medium altitudes.

The aircraft can fly towards pre-programmed coordinates or operate under direct guidance. Preparation and launch can be conducted entirely remotely, reducing the requirements placed on personnel at the launch position.

The interceptor can be fitted with high-explosive fragmentation, shaped-charge or thermobaric warheads. The ministry said the weight of its warhead allows it to engage a wide range of aerial targets.

Alexa Spatium combines a high maximum speed with a low minimum speed to conserve fuel when required. Its composite airframe provides the manoeuvrability needed to make sharp turns without losing controllability.

Television and infrared search-and-sighting systems support target detection and engagement. The aircraft also has control and video-transmission systems.

The interceptor measures approximately 1.5 metres by 1.7 metres and can be launched from a mobile catapult within several minutes. Its lightweight, durable construction is designed to withstand demanding operating conditions.

An aircraft that does not complete its mission can return to the launch site and be used again. The complex has a modular and highly automated design, while all its components can be transported in a pickup truck.

The ministry said the system was developed to provide rapid response, fast deployment and swift mission execution. It also requires minimal preparation of the operating position.

Since the beginning of 2026, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has codified and authorised 413 unmanned aircraft systems for use by the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Almost all were manufactured domestically.

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