Intercepting targets at 350 km/h: F-Drones’ Ukrainian LITAVR counter-drone
Ukrainian company F-Drones has developed the LITAVR interceptor UAV — a drone equipped with an automatic terminal guidance system, remote-control capability, and minimal reliance on foreign components.
LITAVR (named after a traditional Cossack drum) is an interceptor drone designed for the destruction of aerial targets and strikes against ground targets. The manufacturer, F-Drones, develops its own software, electronics, motors, speed controllers, and flight controllers, steadily reducing its reliance on Chinese components. The company launched drone production in 2023.
Development of the counter-drone system began in the fall of 2024. The drone successfully passed testing and was codified in the summer of 2025. Serial production and deliveries to the military began in the fall of 2025.
The UAV is listed in the closed catalog of the Brave1 platform (BraveMarket), where military units can submit procurement requests.
Shahed interceptor drone: capabilities and performance
The stated maximum speed is 350 km/h. The operational range is 40 km. A unit of the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) recorded a record-breaking flight covering more than 80 km from the launch point. The maximum operating altitude is 9 km.
The drone is equipped with both daytime and thermal imaging cameras, allowing the pilot to switch between them in flight depending on conditions and the time of day.
The UAV system is also equipped with its own non-GPS navigation capability. Integration with various radar systems and pilot navigation support are provided through the proprietary LARAG software suite.
Automatic terminal guidance system
LITAVR’s key feature is its automatic terminal guidance system (Last Mile or Pixel Lock). The system identifies the target and autonomously guides the drone to impact. During the terminal phase of flight, the pilot controls only the speed, while all other functions are performed automatically. Developments like this help achieve the strategic objective of staying ahead of the enemy in every technological cycle and maintaining leadership in the war of innovation.
The company provides free hardware and software upgrades for all previously delivered first-generation drones, upgrading them to the version equipped with the automatic guidance system.
Warhead and remote-control system
The warhead is located in the nose section of the drone and is available in two configurations:
- an empty container that can be loaded with explosives on site;
- a fully assembled warhead with a NATO stock number supplied as part of the system;
LITAVR is equipped with a remote-control system. The operator can control the drone from hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away from the interception point. If no target is detected, the pilot switches the initiation board to safe mode and returns the LITAVR to base.
Since May 2026, the remote-control module has been included as standard in the LITAVR UAV system package.
Design and manufacturing
The drone’s airframe is manufactured from molded plastic components. F-Drones has largely phased out 3D printing, which is now used only for small parts. This approach results in a stronger structure and more consistent characteristics in serial production.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reported on the development of next-generation Ukrainian interceptor drones that have already demonstrated the successful autonomous destruction of enemy Shahed-type UAVs.