Strengthening its capabilities to counter enemy drone attacks, the Ukrainian Air Force has reportedly received the first SHARK aircraft configured for electronic warfare missions, manufactured by the Czech-Slovak company SHARK-AERO. The news was confirmed by French defense observer ATE CHUET on his YouTube channel, where he had the opportunity to interview representatives of the company during the latest edition of the 2025 Paris Air Show.
Quoting part of the explanation provided by one of the company’s representatives: “We have developed a version of the SHARK dedicated to electronic warfare for Ukraine. By integrating a detection antenna, we can identify the electromagnetic signatures of drones like the Shahed and Orlan. Once detected, the onboard systems can jam them using equipment mounted under the fuselage.”
According to the representative, the system consists of two main components: the first is responsible for neutralizing the GNSS navigation signal to significantly divert the drone from its original path, while the second suppresses the video and remote-control signals linking the drone to its operator. Notably, the new SHARK aircraft delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force is reportedly capable of using its electronic warfare systems to address threats within a 4.5-kilometer radius, while flying at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters.
Expanding on the aircraft’s features, it is described as a platform powered by a carbureted Rotax engine producing around 100 horsepower. It also includes a revamped electric generator that supports the operation of the onboard electronic warfare systems. The SHARK, according to the video, can reach a top speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour and has a range of up to 2,000 kilometers or an endurance of up to 12 hours in the air. Each unit also features an onboard oxygen generation system, allowing the aircraft to reach a maximum operational altitude of 18,000 feet.
The role of such light aircraft in countering Russian drones was praised by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who stated during a recent press conference: “A promising direction for countering drone attacks is the use of light aircraft. We already have some in service, and more are on the way thanks to the financial and material support of our foreign partners. This capability will be expanded. We are receiving modern aircraft equipped with weapons and advanced navigation systems, which will improve our ability to counter Russian drone attacks.”
Images used for illustrative purposes
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