Ukrainian defence company The Fourth Law has developed the Zerov-8, an interceptor drone equipped with an autonomous targeting system. It includes the TFL Anti-Shahed detection module, designed to counter enemy aerial threats such as Shahed drones.
Technical Specifications
The Zerov-8 uses a tailsitter design (vertical take-off and landing), combining missile-like speed with drone maneuverability.
- Maximum speed: 326 km/h, able to intercept targets moving up to 270 km/h
- Combat radius: up to 20 km
- Warhead: up to 0.5 kg
- Deployment: vertical take-off, reaching climb in about 30 seconds
- Optics: day or thermal camera depending on mission requirements
TFL Anti-Shahed Detection Module
The drone carries The Fourth Law’s Anti-Shahed module, built specifically to detect and track hostile drones.
The Fourth Law’s Anti-Shahed module in action
Key features include:
- AI detection: The system autonomously identifies drones by analyzing motion patterns, thermal signatures, and other parameters.
- Target tracking: Once detected, the system highlights and tracks the target while the pilot selects the interception approach.
- Integration: The module operates onboard with a thermal camera (typically the Kurbas-640 Beta), flight controller, and video transmitter.
According to CEO Yaroslav Azhnyuk, detection is the most critical part of autonomous interception, as earlier identification provides more time and distance to maneuver before impact.
Autonomous Detection Performance
The Zerov-8 emphasizes automation rather than manual targeting.
- Detection range: up to 1 km in ideal high-contrast conditions and about 300 m in difficult weather.
- Advantage: Autonomous data processing allows the system to detect threats earlier than a human operator.
The interceptor is currently undergoing final full-cycle autonomous interception testing.
Smart Interception and Future Integration
Future versions will integrate with external radar systems to automatically calculate interception paths.
- Automated data: Coordinates can be received from Skyguard systems or ground stations.
- Resilience: Fail-safes allow operation during signal loss or electronic warfare.
- Precision: Within a 500-meter radius, the drone enters a guaranteed lock-on zone for final interception.
Cultural Naming Tradition
The Zerov-8 is named after Mykola Zerov, a Ukrainian poet and intellectual of the “Executed Renaissance,” persecuted and executed by the Soviet regime in 1937.
Photo: The Zerov-8 interceptor drone The Fourth Law
Source: The Fourth Law