American Anduril Industries has begun mass production of interceptor drones

The American company Anduril Industries has announced the start of mass production of a new Roadrunner interceptor, which is capable of effectively combating air threats, reports Defense Blog. This drone, which is controlled by an operator, has a vertical take-off, works on two turbojet engines and can perform various types of tasks.

The Roadrunner's main feature is its partial reusability. If the drone misses its target, it can safely return to base thanks to a vertical landing, reminiscent of SpaceX's Falcon 9 technology.

The standard version of the Roadrunner provides for the possibility of installing modular payloads, which allows it to be used for various missions, in addition to simple interception. This can be reconnaissance, surveillance or electronic warfare. In contrast, the Roadrunner-M modification is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead and is used with ground-based air defense. It can be launched quickly, as well as identify, intercept and destroy a wide range of air threats.

Ukraine is also actively developing the segment of interceptor drones to shoot down Russian reconnaissance drones. The idea of using FPV drones as a means of air defense was born in conditions of shortage of "traditional" air defense systems. The military learned to detect enemy UAVs thanks to small radars and shoot them down with modified FPV drones.

The technology has become widespread, in part, thanks to charitable foundations. Ukrainian manufacturers are currently working on developing and mass-producing interceptor drones that will be capable of shooting down Russian kamikaze UAVs of the Shahed type.