Ukraine unveils "Chipa" net gun to stop drones at point-blank range

Ukraine’s BlueBird Tech has developed a close-range counter-drone device designed to intercept first-person-view (FPV) attack drones in the final seconds before impact, as small explosive-laden quadcopters become increasingly prevalent on the battlefield.

The system, known as the Chipa net gun, fires a specially designed net that opens mid-air and entangles a drone’s propellers, disabling it before it can strike its target. The company says the device is intended for use when an FPV drone is already approaching and other defensive measures are no longer available, according to Defence Blog.

According to BlueBird Tech, the launcher fires a net measuring approximately three by three meters that spreads open in flight. Once deployed, it is designed to wrap around the propellers of an incoming drone, causing it to lose lift and fall.

The effective interception range is up to 25 metres, the company said. Within that distance, an operator can aim and fire the device at a drone that is already closing in on soldiers, vehicles or defensive positions.

BlueBird Tech describes the Chipa as a rapid-response tool. To deploy it, the operator pulls a safety pin, aims and presses the trigger — a process the company says takes only seconds. The system is intended to serve as a final defensive option in situations where conventional electronic warfare systems or firearms may not provide an immediate solution.

Unlike jamming equipment, the Chipa does not rely on radio signals. The launcher operates mechanically and does not emit electronic interference, which the company says helps avoid revealing the operator’s position. It also aims to reduce the risks associated with other interception methods. Firearms can cause fragments to scatter after impact, while electronic warfare systems may cause drones to fall unpredictably. By capturing the aircraft in a net, the system seeks to limit dangerous debris and collateral risks.

BlueBird Tech described the launcher as a “last line of defence” tool meant to complement existing counter-drone systems rather than replace them.

“In a situation where FPV drones have become one of the key means of attack, solutions for close-range interception are becoming critical,” the engineers at BlueBird Tech said. “BlueBird Tech is constantly working to create effective means of protecting the lives of Ukrainian military personnel.”

FPV drones — originally developed for racing and hobbyist use — have become one of the most widely used attack systems in the war between Ukraine and Russia. Adapted to carry explosive charges and guided via live video feeds, the small quadcopters are valued for their low cost, maneuverability and ability to fly close to the ground, making them difficult targets for traditional air defense systems. Many are capable of navigating narrow spaces or approaching targets from unexpected directions.

By Sabina Mammadli