Lead
At the Drone Expo 2026 in Kazan, Russian developers unveiled a new interceptor drone equipped with artificial intelligence that can independently anticipate target maneuvers. The Hunt interceptor drone, developed by the company Neat, was presented at the exhibition, which runs from July 8 to 10 at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center, according to a TASS correspondent.
A representative of Neat told TASS that the drone uses a trained neural network based on its own dataset, and that after a target is "squared" by radar, the onboard AI activates and the interceptor automatically locks onto the target and can anticipate its movements. The Hunt is currently primarily used against fixed-wing drones, but is also being developed to engage heavy UAVs, the representative added.
The interceptor can be launched from hand-held or ground-based launchers. Its maximum speed is 290 km/h, its cruising speed is 140 km/h, and its range is up to 40 km.
Coverage Comparison
TASS provided the sole coverage of the exhibition, reporting on three distinct systems. The first report focused on the Hunt interceptor drone, emphasizing its AI capabilities and technical specifications. A second report covered the Aist reconnaissance and strike unmanned system, developed by Irbis Sky Tech, which is designed to intercept low-flying targets at distances up to 30 kilometers. The third report detailed the Malyutka interceptor drone from Advanced Aircraft Systems, a short-range system with automatic target acquisition.
All three reports were published in the context of the Drone Expo 2026, which TASS described as featuring over 200 companies from more than 20 countries. The reports included direct quotes from developer representatives, though the specific framing and tone varied: the Aist report was more promotional, while the others were more straightforward.
Key Claims
- The Hunt interceptor drone, developed by Neat, was unveiled at the Drone Expo 2026. It is equipped with artificial intelligence that can independently anticipate target maneuvers, according to a Neat representative quoted by TASS.
- The drone works with a radar and can automatically lock onto a target after the target is squared, activating the onboard AI, the representative said.
- The interceptor can be launched from hand-held or ground-based launchers and has a maximum speed of 290 km/h, a cruising speed of 140 km/h, and a range of up to 40 km.
- The Aist reconnaissance and strike system, developed by Irbis Sky Tech, was showcased at the exhibition. According to Ivan Terekhov, Executive Director of Irbis Sky Tech, the system can intercept and neutralize low-flying targets at distances of up to 30 kilometers.
- The Aist carrier offers up to eight hours of operational endurance, Terekhov said. He added that the system has completed combat testing, received necessary certifications, and is in use by select units of the Russian Armed Forces.
- Advanced Aircraft Systems presented the Malyutka interceptor drone at Drone Expo 2026. A company representative said the drone carries a warhead of up to 300 grams and is designed to engage targets at short ranges, with enemy drones as priority targets.
- The Malyutka has a range of up to 12 km and a maximum speed of 250 km/h, with a loitering speed of 140 km/h, the representative said. It is equipped with an automatic target acquisition function at a range of up to 1 km.
Perspectives
Developer Neat
The representative of Neat emphasized the artificial intelligence capabilities of the Hunt interceptor drone, describing a trained neural network and autonomous target anticipation.
Developer Irbis Sky Tech
Ivan Terekhov of Irbis Sky Tech highlighted the Aist system's role as an integrated air defense platform, stressing the critical need for combining detection and engagement systems in a unified platform.
Developer Advanced Aircraft Systems
A company representative for Advanced Aircraft Systems presented the Malyutka as a short-range interceptor with automatic target acquisition, noting the high demand for such drones.