LandEuro 2025: Venator Technologies' new AngryCat interceptor drone to enhance Ukraine’s defense against Russian UAVs.

At the German LandEuro 2025 exhibition, the company Fenek displayed the AngryCat, an interceptor drone developed by the Ukrainian company Venator Technologies. The primary purpose of the AngryCat is to neutralize hostile UAVs, particularly targeting drones such as the Shahed, Lancet, Orlan, and Zala. The AngryCat can operate autonomously with guidance systems including radar, sound sensors, and video/thermal imaging cameras. It is also capable of functioning as a kamikaze drone, engaging ground targets once they are identified, making it versatile in both interception and strike operations.
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With a payload capacity of 1 kg and a total flight weight of 12 kg, the AngryCat interceptor drone has a cruising speed of 250 km/h, while operating at altitudes up to 4,500 meters. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The AngryCat has a cruising speed of 250 km/h, and it can operate at altitudes up to 4,500 meters. The drone has a flight time of up to 15 minutes at the given speed and altitude, providing a range of 30 km. With a payload capacity of 1 kg and a total flight weight of 12 kg, the AngryCat is launched using a pneumatic catapult. It reaches readiness for takeoff in approximately 25 minutes, making it suitable for quick deployment in response to incoming threats. The system works effectively both during the day and at night, and its operations are fully automated, allowing for reduced reliance on human operators.

Venator Technologies, founded in June 2022 and headquartered in Kyiv, specializes in the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The company designs both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products and customized solutions to meet specific client requirements. In addition to the AngryCat, Venator’s product line includes loitering munitions such as the FlyCat. Venator Technologies operates as a subsidiary of Octava Capital, with Oleksandr Kardakov, a key figure in Ukraine’s defense technology sector, being its ultimate beneficial owner. The company has been involved in the development of defense technologies, particularly in unmanned systems, and has showcased its products at international exhibitions.

Interceptor drones, including the AngryCat, have gained increasing attention since the war in Ukraine began in 2022. The use of swarms of UAVs for reconnaissance and strikes has become common, creating a need for more effective countermeasures. Traditional air defense systems have struggled with this new type of threat, as expensive missile systems are not cost-effective against low-cost drones. The AngryCat addresses this challenge by offering a high-speed and cost-efficient means of neutralizing these UAVs. Interceptor drones are now considered a critical component of modern air defense strategies, offering a viable alternative to expensive and often impractical missile systems.

Ukraine has been at the forefront of developing and deploying interceptor drones, with several private companies and volunteer groups contributing to the effort. The rapid growth of Ukraine’s drone industry is a direct response to the increasing number of drone attacks from Russia, particularly those involving Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones. Ukraine’s “Clear Sky” initiative, which involves the mass deployment of small, fast interceptor drones, has been instrumental in countering the threat posed by these UAVs. As of mid-2025, Ukraine has significantly increased its production of interceptor drones, reflecting the growing demand for these systems to defend critical infrastructure from ongoing drone attacks.

While the AngryCat offers effective countermeasures against UAVs, it is not without limitations. The primary challenge facing interceptor drones is their range and operational ceiling. Most interceptor drones are effective at lower altitudes and for short-range engagements, making them unsuitable for intercepting high-altitude or long-range threats. Additionally, the reliance on external guidance systems means that these drones are vulnerable to electronic warfare tactics, such as jamming, which can disrupt their communications or targeting. Despite these limitations, the AngryCat and other interceptor drones are considered vital components of air defense, complementing existing systems like surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns. As technology advances, these drones are expected to become more capable, with improved range, speed, and targeting precision.

The development of interceptor drones, including the AngryCat, highlights the shift in defense strategies towards countering low-cost, high-volume drone threats. Interceptor drones fill the gap in defense systems by offering a cost-effective solution to neutralize UAVs without relying on expensive missile systems. Their ability to operate autonomously, combined with the rapid scalability of production, has made them an attractive option for militaries worldwide. As the threat from drones continues to evolve, the demand for interceptor drones is expected to grow, with further innovations in speed, autonomy, and sensor capabilities to meet the changing needs of modern air defense.