Ukrainian firm develops Chipa net gun to stop FPV drones

Ukraine’s BlueBird Tech has developed a new close-range counter-drone device known as the Chipa net gun, designed to intercept first-person-view (FPV) attack drones at short distances on the battlefield.

The system fires a specially designed net that opens in mid-air and entangles the drone’s propellers, stopping it before impact. The Ukrainian company said the device is intended for use when an FPV drone is already approaching a target and other defenses are no longer available.

Ukrainian engineers say that when drones close in on soldiers, vehicles, or defensive positions, conventional electronic warfare systems or firearms may not always provide an immediate solution. The Chipa system is designed to serve as a final defensive option during those moments.

According to BlueBird Tech, the Chipa net gun launches a net measuring roughly three by three meters that spreads open in the air before reaching its target. Once deployed, the net is intended to wrap around the propellers of an approaching FPV drone, causing the aircraft to lose lift and fall before it can strike.

The company states that the effective interception range of the system is up to 25 meters. Within that distance, operators can aim the device and fire the net to capture or disable a drone that is already closing in on a target.

Preparation for use is designed to be rapid. BlueBird Tech says the operator only needs to pull the safety pin, aim the launcher, and press the trigger. The entire process takes only a few seconds, allowing soldiers to react quickly in situations where an incoming FPV drone is already visible and approaching.

Unlike firearms or electronic warfare equipment, the Chipa system does not rely on radio signals or jamming technologies. BlueBird Tech says the net launcher operates mechanically and does not create radio interference during use. Because of that, the device does not reveal the operator’s position through electronic emissions.

The company also notes that the system reduces the risk of dangerous debris compared with other interception methods. Shooting down a drone with firearms can cause fragments to scatter, while electronic warfare systems may cause a drone to fall unpredictably. By capturing the drone with a net, the device aims to neutralize the aircraft while limiting collateral risks.

Chipa net gun (BlueBird Tech pic)

BlueBird Tech described the Chipa launcher as a “last line of defence” tool for situations in which a drone has already bypassed other protective measures. According to the company, the device is intended to complement existing counter-drone systems rather than replace them.

As noted by the company, the need for close-range drone interception tools has grown as FPV drones have become more common on the battlefield.

“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.”

Chipa net gun (BlueBird Tech pic)

FPV drones have emerged as one of the most widely used attack systems in the war between Ukraine and Russia. Originally developed for racing and hobbyist use, these small quadcopters have been adapted to carry explosive charges and guided by operators using live video feeds.

Their low cost, maneuverability, and ability to fly close to the ground make them difficult targets for traditional air defense systems. Many FPV drones are also capable of flying through narrow spaces or approaching targets from unexpected directions.