The Ukrainian-made Cyclops V2 unmanned aerial system has been approved for operational use by Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Different versions of the drone can be used to intercept both aerial and ground targets, according to the website of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
The Cyclops was developed by a Ukrainian company that, according to the Ministry of Defense, has experience producing other types of weapons and military equipment for the Defense Forces. The drone is available in several variants.
Some versions are cheaper, have a simpler design, and are easier to operate. They are intended to engage ground targets or slow-moving aerial targets flying at low altitudes.
Other variants have significantly higher tactical and technical capabilities and are designed to effectively intercept high-speed Shahed drones at considerable altitudes.
“Different variants of the Cyclops have been operating on the front line for several years. The system’s operational range is sufficient to protect any regional center of Ukraine from unmanned aerial threats,” the Ministry of Defense said.
The Cyclops drone has a wingspan of slightly more than one meter and can remain airborne for nearly 1.5 hours. According to the Ministry, the drone can operate at altitudes higher than the maximum operating altitude of Russian attack and reconnaissance UAVs.
The systems have already downed more than 100 Russian targets, including Gerbera, Zala, Orlan, Supercam, Lancet, Molniya drones, and others.
“The first Russian Shahed drone over the territory of Russia’s Kursk region was intercepted precisely by a Cyclops,” the Ministry of Defense said.
