Kyiv-based company MAC HUB has unveiled a naval drone capable of carrying up to 27 interceptor drones, offering Ukraine a new way to counter large-scale Shahed attacks at sea.
The Katran X1.2 unmanned surface vehicle (USV) is designed to deploy first-person view (FPV) and fixed-wing interceptors during strike and air defense missions, with the company claiming a single sortie could neutralize an entire drone swarm.
In addition to carrying interceptor drones, the vessel can also be fitted with air-defense missiles capable of engaging light aircraft, helicopters, and cruise munitions.
The capability could make the new USV a valuable asset for protecting strategic naval infrastructure, including Ukraine’s Odessa seaport.
Katran X1.2 has an operational range of 1,600 kilometers (994 miles) and is built to operate across the Black Sea using an integrated satellite communication antenna.
It can also reach speeds of 93 kilometers (58 miles) per hour and cruise at 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour.
The USV is equipped with a damage detection system that monitors leaks and technical issues, while an onboard water pumping system helps prevent flooding in rough sea conditions.
It also features an autopilot and a navigation control system capable of maintaining positional awareness for several days.
An onboard AI system handles target detection and tracking, allowing the vessel to continue operating even if communications are lost.
MAC HUB demonstrated the Katran X1.2 during tests on the Dnipro River while carrying the company’s AI-enabled Dead Fly FPV interceptors.
The interceptor drones are designed to autonomously pursue airborne targets and can reportedly reach speeds of 380 kilometers (236 miles) per hour.
According to reports, the drones are being further refined to exceed 450 kilometers (280 miles) per hour following requests from the Ukrainian military.
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