ZIRKA is a Ukrainian high-speed counter-UAV interceptor drone developed by NOCTIS with investment and scaling support from Vyriy Industries. Publicly presented in June 2026, it is designed to automate detection, tracking, and terminal engagement against Shahed-type strike drones and other fast aerial threats.
Mezha reported a NOCTIS representative's statement that ZIRKA drones had been actively used since May and, after operator visual contact and target confirmation, destroyed the target in automatic mode in nine of ten cited cases.
Role detailsPublic reporting identifies ZIRKA 2.0 as the planned next iteration rather than a separate fielded model.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| ZIRKA 2.0 | Planned upgraded interceptor | NOCTIS described the next version as adding automated movement into the target detection zone, improved thermal imaging, refined detection and guidance algorithms, communications updates, and automatic near-target warhead detonation. Sources: Vyriy ZIRKA public presentation, Babel ZIRKA report |
Mezha reported a NOCTIS representative's statement that ZIRKA drones had been actively used since May, with automatic-mode destruction after operator visual contact and target confirmation in most reported contacts.
Sources: Mezha Defense ZIRKA report
Vyriy Industries announced the public presentation of ZIRKA, describing NOCTIS as developer and Vyriy as investor and scaling partner.
Sources: Vyriy ZIRKA public presentation
Ukrainian media reported the claimed 340-plus km/h speed, 6 km operating altitude, 30 km radius, 20 minute endurance, and sub-$2,000 unit cost.
Sources: Babel ZIRKA report, RBC-Ukraine ZIRKA specifications
ZIRKA's public material presents the interceptor as a low-cost autonomous engagement layer for the Shahed-defense problem rather than a manually flown FPV drone. The cited reports keep the current platform and the planned ZIRKA 2.0 upgrade distinct.
Vyriy says the fielded design combines automatic target detection, target tracking, and terminal guidance toward fast aerial threats.
Sources: Vyriy ZIRKA public presentation; Babel ZIRKA report.
The developers cite practical counter-Shahed experience, including Darknode anti-Shahed battalion input, as part of the design background.
Sources: Vyriy ZIRKA public presentation; UNITED24 Media ZIRKA report.
Planned upgrades include automated movement into the detection zone, stronger thermal imaging for machine-vision detection at 2 km, updated detection and guidance algorithms, communications and positioning additions, and automatic near-target warhead detonation.
Sources: Vyriy ZIRKA public presentation; Babel ZIRKA report; Mezha Defense ZIRKA report.
