So apparently Ukraine’s working on this new drone called the Sting to take out Russia’s Shahed drones. It’s supposed to fly over 100 mph and has some AI targeting system in the works. Anyone know more about it? Sounds like it could really change things.
Yeah, I read about that! The Sting’s being built to go after those Shahed-136 drones, right? Those things are super annoying for Ukraine. If this works, it could be a game changer for them.
Zorion said:
Yeah, I read about that! The Sting’s being built to go after those Shahed-136 drones, right? Those things are super annoying for Ukraine. If this works, it could be a game changer for them.
Exactly, the Shaheds are used a lot by Russia to hit Ukrainian cities. Apparently, Russia makes them under a deal with Iran now.
@Darcy
Wait, so Russia is actually building these drones themselves? I thought they were just buying them from Iran.
Cairo said:
@Darcy
Wait, so Russia is actually building these drones themselves? I thought they were just buying them from Iran.
Yup, they’re producing them locally now. Guess they wanna make sure they have a steady supply.
The speed is impressive, but what about the cost? The Shahed drones are like $20k each, right? Wonder if the Sting will really be cheaper.
Micah said:
The speed is impressive, but what about the cost? The Shahed drones are like $20k each, right? Wonder if the Sting will really be cheaper.
I saw something saying the Sting’s cost is way lower, maybe even dozens of times cheaper than the Shahed.
@Harlow
If that’s true, it could save a ton of money. Right now, they’re using missiles that cost $1 million each to shoot these drones down.
I’m curious if the AI targeting will really make a difference. They said it’s still piloted for now, though.
Drew said:
I’m curious if the AI targeting will really make a difference. They said it’s still piloted for now, though.
AI could make it quicker to react to threats. But yeah, right now, it’s still a human flying it.
@Zeke
Makes sense. I guess they need time to fine-tune the AI.
Ukraine’s been making so many drones lately. I heard they’re aiming to make millions each year now.
Ari said:
Ukraine’s been making so many drones lately. I heard they’re aiming to make millions each year now.
Yeah, I think Zelenskyy said they’re already contracted to build 1.5 million or something.
@Tatum
Wow, that’s a lot! Meanwhile, Russia is also ramping up their drone production. Feels like a drone arms race.
Anyone know if the Sting can take down other drones too, like recon ones?
Zane said:
Anyone know if the Sting can take down other drones too, like recon ones?
Pretty sure it can. Ukraine’s used other first-person drones to take down recon UAVs like the Orlan-10 before.
@Logan
Good to know! Hope they can use it for more than just the Shaheds.