Ukraine's next weapon against Russian drones is this slightly odd tiny robot which fires nets into the air in all directions
Ukraine's battlefield robot swaps missiles for nets
by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/efosa-udinmwen · TechRadarNews By Efosa Udinmwen Published 5 August 2026 2 min read
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- Ukraine develops ground robot firing nets against incoming FPV drone attacks
- VORON combines drone interception with logistics and battlefield evacuation capabilities effectively
- Net launchers attempt physical drone captures instead of explosive aerial interceptions
Ukrainian firm SMART BIRDS has introduced an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) called VORON, built specifically to intercept first-person view drones from multiple directions simultaneously.
The system relies on Pavuk net launchers, a defensive mechanism designed to trap incoming drones before they reach their intended target.
The system was unveiled during a closed demonstration organized by the Technological Forces of Ukraine.
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Net-launching system functions for drone capture
Each VORON platform can carry up to eight net launcher modules, allowing coverage against threats approaching from any angle around the vehicle.
The system engages targets at distances reaching 45 meters, with nets fully deploying after traveling 5 meters and forming a defensive radius of 5 meters.
Every two-barrel module weighs 4 kg, and operators can reload and fire the launchers repeatedly during a single engagement.
A human operator triggers the system manually through a control panel, using an onboard camera to visually confirm each threat before firing.
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