Drone warfare in Ukraine: Alligator naval drones, Shahed interceptors and "Night Witches"
Three key stories of the week: Apr. 9 - Apr. 15, 2025
Ukraine’s air defenses remain a major point of tension, as the shortage of American-made Patriot systems has pushed Ukrainian innovators to develop new solutions, such as interceptor drones capable of taking down Russian strike and reconnaissance UAVs. Laser warfare is closer than it once seemed, with Ukraine integrating its Tryzub laser system onto maritime drones. Another development: Ukraine is converting light aircraft into long-range bomber drones, nicknamed “Night Witches” for their ability to approach targets at low altitudes under the cover of night.
These are just three of the main highlights—along with eleven additional stories—featured in this week’s digest.
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Alligator-9: Ukraine’s naval drone destroys enemy robot drones with laser fire
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have introduced the Alligator-9, a multi-role naval drone platform designed for precision strikes and electronic warfare operations against Russian maritime threats. The unveiling took place during the European Defense Industry conference.
The maritime drone is a platform that can carry various weapons depending on the assigned tasks. They include the installation of the Tryzub laser system or using the platform as a carrier for smaller drones, such as the Alligator 5 ToD, which function as kamikaze drones or torpedoes.
The new drone can be configured in three different setups.
The drone can launch six to ten Alligator-5 kamikaze drones in one setup. These drones are designed to target enemy boats.
The drone can carry three to five Alligator-5 EW drones in another setup. These drones offer electronic warfare and reconnaissance support, helping to breach enemy defenses and assist with mine-clearing or navigation tasks.
The third setup involves equipping the drone with the Tryzub 90 laser weapon system. The Tryzub 90 laser system can destroy attack drones, guided bombs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles from up to 3 km away. (Read more about Tryzub system in the previous editions of my newsletter: Ukraine demonstrated the operation of a domestically developed laser system called "Tryzub" (“Trident”) or Arms Trends in Ukraine)
While officials have not disclosed the number of drones in production or deployment schedules, the footage released suggests the program is advancing beyond the conceptual phase.
"Shahed" Killer: Ukraine's new interceptor drone
At the Ukrainian UAV exhibition for the Belgian delegation, a new interceptor drone designed to destroy Shaheds was presented. The manufacturer's name was not disclosed.