Archangel, a volunteer group that develops drones and has ties to the Russian Ministry of Defense, released images last week of an interceptor drone attached to the wing of a MiG-29SMT fighter jet. The drone was secured with black zip ties under the jet's radar warning receiver.

Archangel said it is working to integrate interceptor drones with fighter jets and decided to mount the weapon on a MiG-29. "The fighter flies slightly faster than the cruising speed of the interceptor drone," the group said, adding that their interceptor drone can reach a speed of 350 km/h and has a range of 50 km.

However, Western military experts remain skeptical. "The MiG-29 cannot launch a drone in that strapped configuration. More tests are needed before the fighter can launch an interceptor drone," said Thomas Newdick, editor of the US military website War Zone.

Newdick believes the drone's frame and propellers might not withstand the wind force at high speeds. The zip-tied drone could interfere with the radar warning system and even threaten flight safety.

It would also be difficult for the pilot of a single-seat fighter like the MiG-29SMT to both fly the plane and control a drone attacking a moving target, especially airborne objects.

According to Newdick, Russia cannot use fighter jets carrying interceptor drones against enemy UAVs or drones in the near future. However, Moscow is devoting resources to developing interceptor drones, including ground-launched models already deployed in combat.

Archangel interceptor drone prototype. Video: Archangel

Ukraine is also pursuing interceptor drones due to dwindling missile and air defense ammunition supplies. In July, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense signed a $72 million contract to purchase interceptor drones, with a focus on those capable of taking down Russia's long-range Geran-2 UAVs.

Interceptor drones are also considered a cost-effective option, especially compared to air defense missiles. The Ukrainian Drone Force said an interceptor drone costs only about $5,000, hundreds of times less than an air defense missile, though it didn't specify which model.

Nguyen Tien (Theo RIA Novosti, War Zone, AP)