Shark Aero develops Shark U1 light electronic warfare aircraft to counter Russian drones in Ukraine.

As reported by Até Chuet on June 18, 2025, Ukraine has received its first Shark U1 light aircraft adapted for electronic warfare missions, developed by the Czech-Slovak manufacturer Shark Aero. The delivery was confirmed during the 2025 Paris Air Show, where a representative of the company outlined the aircraft’s configuration. The Shark U1 is derived from the Shark 600 ultralight aircraft and is equipped with onboard antennas for the detection and tracking of drones such as the Shahed and Orlan.
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The Shark U1 is derived from this Shark 600 ultralight aircraft and is equipped with onboard antennas for the detection and tracking of drones such as the Shahed and Orlan. (Picture source: Shark Aero)

Once the electromagnetic profile of a drone is detected, jamming systems located under the fuselage are used to interfere with its navigation and communication links. The Shark U1 does not destroy drones directly, but is intended to degrade their effectiveness by disrupting their guidance systems. In cases involving reconnaissance drones, sustained jamming may lead to signal loss and cause the UAV to deviate or crash.

The aircraft's electronic warfare system consists of two main components. The first jammer is dedicated to suppressing GNSS signals, including GPS and GLONASS, which are commonly used by drones for positioning and route guidance. The second jammer is designed to interfere with video transmission channels and remote-control frequencies. These systems are installed in containers under the aircraft, aligned with its center of gravity to maintain flight balance. According to available data, when operating at an altitude of 1,800 meters, the Shark U1 can create a jamming zone with a radius of 4.5 kilometers. This coverage corresponds to a diameter of 9 kilometers. Drones relying solely on GNSS navigation may be particularly vulnerable to this disruption. Those equipped with inertial navigation systems, such as the Shahed-136, can continue their trajectory, but prolonged interference leads to accumulated errors in their flight path.

The aircraft is powered by a 100-horsepower Rotax 912 ULS carbureted engine. A larger alternator has been installed to meet the electrical demands of the onboard electronic warfare equipment. The cruising speed is 270 kilometers per hour, with a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour. The Shark U1 can remain airborne for up to 12 hours in fuel-saving mode and has an approximate range of 2,000 kilometers. For high-altitude operations, the aircraft is equipped with an onboard oxygen generation system and is certified for flights up to 5,500 meters (18,000 feet). The platform also features a ballistic parachute recovery system capable of being activated by either the pilot or the second crew member. This function is designed to ensure emergency descent in case of flight system failure or operational risk.

The base aircraft, the Shark 600, is manufactured by Shark Aero in Slovakia and is certified as an ultralight in the Czech Republic and Germany. It is built from carbon and Kevlar composite materials, with a monocoque fuselage and retractable landing gear. The aircraft is configured for tandem seating, has an economic cruise speed between 250 and 270 kilometers per hour, and burns approximately 20 liters of MOGAS fuel per hour. Its standard takeoff roll is 190 meters, and the useful load in its basic configuration is 250 kilograms. The Shark 600 has been available in multiple versions, including the Shark 600T, which uses the 914Ti turbocharged engine and offers extended range and improved performance at altitude. This version has demonstrated a cruising speed of 350 kilometers per hour at 10,000 feet and a maximum range of 3,889 kilometers in economy mode.

During a briefing with Ukrainian journalists, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, emphasized the operational relevance of light aircraft in counter-drone operations. According to Syrskyi, several aircraft of this type are already in service, and more deliveries are expected with support from international partners. He stated that these platforms are equipped with modern navigation and warfare systems and are intended to enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian drone strikes. The aircraft are being deployed as part of a broader strategy involving helicopters, interceptor drones, and ground-based fire teams. The Ministry of Defense also supports local defense units and paramilitary groups, allowing them to participate in drone detection and interception using their own aircraft, equipment, and weapons.

In parallel, other light aircraft such as the Yak-52 have been used by Ukrainian forces to counter reconnaissance drones. In one documented case, a Yak-52 was filmed in flight near a Russian Orlan-10 drone descending under a parachute, suggesting possible damage or signal disruption. The Yak-52 has been repurposed for these roles despite not being originally designed for combat. Some aircraft have reportedly used small arms fired by a second crew member to neutralize aerial targets. Russian sources have also confirmed that Yak-52 aircraft have been modernized under the designation Yak-52B2 for counter-drone roles. These modifications include the addition of electronic warfare systems, radar, and new avionics. The Yak-52B2 program was presented by OKB Aviastroitel in 2024, and its adaptation is part of Russia's effort to expand available anti-UAV assets.

The Shark U1’s configuration reflects a trend toward using light, civilian-based airframes for specific military applications such as surveillance and electromagnetic interference. The use of a directional antenna operating in the 400 to 6,000 MHz frequency band, with a gain of 8 dBi, allows the aircraft to detect and jam various UAV control and navigation signals. Additional features on board the Shark U1 include a stabilized gimbal with a mid-wave infrared camera offering 13.7x optical zoom, a laser rangefinder with a 10 to 15 kilometer range, and a laser pointer rated at 30 milliwatts. Full HD video recording is supported at 1080p and 30 frames per second. These systems enable surveillance and targeting support missions beyond the jamming function. The aircraft is also compatible with targeting assistance from ground stations and other airborne platforms, forming part of a broader detection and interference chain designed to degrade enemy UAV operations in multiple phases.