(SOUTHERN SLOBOZHANSHCHYNA FRONT, KHARKIV OBLAST, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian border guards are using a low cost weapon known as the “YO-YO” system to destroy Russian drones in flight, with a soldier from the “Apex” unit of the “Forpost” brigade describing the device as cheaper and faster than standard air defence means, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (DPSU) has reported.
The device consists of a nut attached to a capron thread, fitted into a mounting point on a Ukrainian drone and held in place by a servo driven release mechanism. When the Ukrainian pilot identifies an enemy drone using a camera with both day and thermal modes, he dives towards it and activates the release. The nut is ejected into the enemy drone’s propellers, disabling it.
“A nut costs you about 20 kopiykas, roughly $0.005 or £0.004, plus the thread. You take the thread, wind it up, and carry plenty with you,” said the soldier, who uses the callsign “Fin”.
The system is designed for use against FPV drones, which are difficult to bring down with conventional means because of their weak propellers. A single strike from the released nut is usually enough to stop them.
The DPSU said the Ukrainian development surpasses Russian analogues in accuracy and responsiveness. Russian forces use a similar system, known simply as a thread or cable, employing either a metal thread or a thick thread on a magnet. Ukrainian forces have lost drones to these Russian systems during large assault operations.
Fin said the key to success remains round the clock aerial reconnaissance. Without timely detection and instant transmission of coordinates, even the most modern weapons lose their meaning. The approach allows Ukraine to tighten its defence of the sky and maintain control over airspace without expending scarce missile weapons.
Alternatives exist, including nets deployed by pyrotechnic charges, but these are expensive and require a new charge and net for every flight. The nut and thread system is simpler and more cost effective.
Fin also noted that recovering enemy drones requires ideal conditions, including altitude and radio horizon, and is usually carried out by infantry. Drones recovered by Ukrainian forces are sent for expert analysis, where useful intelligence has been found in their firmware.
The footage was released by the press service of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (DPSU).
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