Wild Hornets Develops Sting 2.0 Interceptor Drone Designed to Shoot Down Jet-Powered UAVs
Ukrainian counter-drone company Wild Hornets is developing the Sting 2.0, a next-generation interceptor drone built to defeat jet-powered threats such as the Russian jet-propelled Shahed series. Development began in early 2026 and has entered live combat testing. The new variant will feature increased speed, an integrated auto-detection module, and eventual target-guidance capability, with a price approximately 30% higher than the current Sting model.
Highlights
- Wild Hornets began developing the Sting 2.0 interceptor drone in early 2026, and the platform has already entered live combat testing in Ukraine.
- Sting 2.0 is purpose-built to counter jet-powered Russian Shahed drones, offering a higher top speed than the current Sting model.
- The new variant includes a built-in auto-detection module, with target-guidance functionality planned for a future update.
- Sting 2.0 will be priced approximately 30% higher than the standard Sting interceptor.
- The existing Sting drone has downed approximately 50 jet-powered Shahed drones, with Wild Hornets holding video documentation of each engagement.
According to a report by Ukrainian outlet Defender Media, counter-drone company Wild Hornets is working on a major upgrade to its Sting interceptor drone, designated Sting 2.0.
Developed in Response to Jet-Powered UAV Threats
Development of the Sting 2.0 began in early 2026 and has already entered live combat testing. The primary driver behind the upgrade is Russia's growing use of jet-powered drones — including jet-propelled variants of the Shahed series — which pose a greater challenge to existing interception systems.
To effectively engage these high-speed targets, the Sting 2.0 will offer a significantly higher top speed than the current model. Wild Hornets noted that its development team is working closely with operators to strike the optimal balance between speed and range, ensuring effectiveness in real-world combat scenarios.
Key Upgrades
- Increased Speed: The Sting 2.0 will surpass the current interceptor's top speed
- Auto-Detection Module: The new variant will feature a built-in automatic target detection system, with target guidance capability to be added in a subsequent update
- Price Adjustment: The Sting 2.0 will be priced approximately 30% higher than the standard model
Strong Combat Record for the Current Version
Wild Hornets also confirmed that the existing Sting interceptor is already capable of shooting down jet-powered Shahed drones. The company currently holds video documentation of approximately 50 such drones downed by the platform in combat operations.
This development underscores Ukraine's continued advancement in counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology as it adapts to an evolving aerial threat landscape on the battlefield.
Image credit: Wild Hornets
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