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Ukraine's SEEDIS Drone System Redefines Autonomous Air Defence in Modern Warfare

A game-changer in drone warfare: Ukraine's fully autonomous SEEDIS intercepts threats without human input. Could this redefine battlefield dominance?

The image shows an MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flying over a military vehicle in the...
The image shows an MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flying over a military vehicle in the desert, surrounded by trees and mountains in the background and a clear blue sky above.

Ukraine's SEEDIS Drone System Redefines Autonomous Air Defence in Modern Warfare

Ukraine is expanding its drone warfare capabilities by establishing a dedicated unmanned systems branch within its armed forces. Meanwhile, a new autonomous air defence solution, SEEDIS, was unveiled in early 2024 at the World Defense Show in Riyadh. The system, developed by Ukrainian firms SEE and NAUDI, aims to counter growing threats from reconnaissance and strike drones.

SEEDIS operates as part of the broader Krechet air defence network, integrating radar and firing units into a single automated system. Once an aerial threat is detected, the platform assigns targets to available launchers based on distance and threat level. The interceptor drone then launches vertically before transitioning to autonomous flight, functioning like a guided missile.

During the final approach, the drone relies on onboard cameras and AI to identify targets at ranges of 500 to 1,000 metres. It can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h, with a cruising speed of around 190 km/h, making it effective against most reconnaissance and strike UAVs. Unlike traditional systems, SEEDIS requires no human operators, operating entirely through AI-driven decision-making.

The unveiling of SEEDIS follows Russia's introduction of the Krechet autonomous air defence system, showcased at the same event in February 2024. While both systems compete with Western mobile air defence platforms, detailed performance comparisons remain limited in public assessments as of early 2026.

SEEDIS represents a shift toward fully autonomous air defence, offering a first-line response against airborne threats. Its AI-driven interception and layered defence approach could influence future drone warfare strategies. The system's development also aligns with Ukraine's broader push to formalise and expand its unmanned military capabilities.

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