Ukraine Tests 'Fishing Rod' Drone Interceptor

The 46th Separate Air Mobile Brigade has released video footage demonstrating a novel method for intercepting enemy drones. The new device is a fishing rod-style attachment mounted on a drone, designed to physically disable enemy quadcopters.

The brigade published the clips on Monday, highlighting a 'new way of capture of enemy drones in the air.' The system uses a thin cord attached to a rod, which dangles from the interceptor drone. A small weight keeps the line taut, allowing it to entangle the propellers of target drones as the interceptor flies over them. The footage shows two successful interceptions of quadcopters. A third clip shows an attempt against a fixed-wing drone, identified as a likely Russian Molniya one-way attack loitering munition, though the outcome of that interception remains unclear.

The 46th Separate Air Mobile Brigade recently published a video montage detailing its attacks against Russian infantry, vehicles, and drones. Within this footage, the unit specifically highlighted a new counter-drone capability. The video reveals a drone equipped with a unique attachment designed for midair interception.

According to the footage, the device consists of a rod protruding from the interceptor drone's chassis. A thin rope or cord hangs from this rod, kept taut by a small weight. As the Ukrainian drone flies high above the battlefield, this weight sways into view. The tactic involves flying the interceptor directly over an enemy quadcopter, allowing the dangling line to wrap around and disable the target's propellers.

The brigade released two distinct clips showing this method in action against small quadcopters. In both instances, the interceptor drone successfully entangles the enemy device. This visual evidence confirms the brigade's caption describing a 'new way of capture of enemy drones in the air.' The system appears specifically engineered for quadcopter-style drones, which are common in the conflict for reconnaissance and light attack roles.

This fishing rod-style device represents the latest evolution in the ongoing technological race between drone operators and counter-drone systems. As electronic warfare technology adapts, militaries are increasingly forced to develop physical methods to disrupt drones. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have been experimenting with similar tactics to counter the growing prevalence of anti-jamming features on small attack drones.

Current counter-drone efforts include:

• Deploying fishing nets on the ground to catch low-flying drones.
• Testing net launchers on interceptor drones.
• Using handheld net guns for close-range defense.

Western companies have also begun trialing drone-mounted and handheld net launchers as a defense against small quadcopters. The conflict has driven a surge in the use of small, fast, and inexpensive drones acting as interceptors. This trend is partly a response to Russia's reliance on large-scale attacks using fixed-wing Geran drones, which can reach speeds of up to 115 mph, or even 230 mph in some cases. However, the 46th Brigade's specific fishing line apparatus appears optimized for the slower, more maneuverable quadcopter threats.

The interception tactic is captured through the first-person-view (FPV) camera of the Ukrainian interceptor drone. This perspective allows observers to see the device's construction and the mechanics of the attack. The rod extends outward from the drone's body, ensuring the line is positioned away from the interceptor's own rotors to prevent self-entanglement.

The weight attached to the end of the cord serves a critical function: it ensures the line drops below the drone's flight path and maintains tension. Without this weight, the line might simply flap in the wind or fail to catch the target's propellers effectively. The success of the two quadcopter interceptions suggests the weight and length of the line are calibrated correctly for the specific targets engaged.

The third clip released by the brigade adds complexity to the tactical picture. It shows the same rod-equipped drone attempting to engage a fixed-wing aircraft. The target was identified as a probable Russian Molniya one-way attack loitering munition. Unlike quadcopters, fixed-wing drones rely on a single propeller. It is unclear from the source if this specific interception was successful, as the mechanics of tangling a single propeller differ from those of a quadcopter's four rotors.

The emergence of the 46th Separate Air Mobile Brigade's fishing line apparatus illustrates a broader shift in military innovation. Rather than relying solely on expensive missile systems or jamming technology, forces are turning to low-cost, kinetic solutions. This approach allows for the rapid deployment of countermeasures against mass drone attacks where traditional air defense might be too costly or slow.

The conflict in Ukraine continues to serve as a testing ground for new military technologies. As drone capabilities evolve, so too must the defenses against them. The use of physical entanglement methods like the 'fishing rod' represents a creative response to the challenge of bringing down agile, low-flying drones. It remains to be seen if this specific device will be adopted more widely across other units, but it highlights the ingenuity required to maintain an edge in modern drone warfare.