An Estonian company is building a fake Russian drone, on purpose
KrattWorks is copying the jet-powered Shahed so soldiers can practise shooting it down. Think crash-test dummy, but for air defense.
Side note, and a lighter one.
Estonia's KrattWorks is building a target drone that copies Russia's jet-powered Shahed attack drones. The point is practice: soldiers learn to shoot down something that looks and flies like the real threat. The company hopes to show it by the end of 2027.
Why it matters
Ukraine says it stops only about 57% of jet-powered Shaheds. Jet drones are faster than the older propeller kind and harder to hit with cheap guns. Realistic practice targets are in demand.
KrattWorks makes other target drones too, and is expanding into the US, with plans to show its work at the AUSA show this week.
What we don't know yet
- What it will cost, and who orders it first.
Note this down
Oct 12–14: look for KrattWorks at AUSA.