ZenaTech subsidiary ZenaDrone has commenced the initial flight-testing phase of its Interceptor P-1, a low-cost, one-way autonomous counter-drone platform designed to physically intercept hostile Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
The Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) interceptor is being developed as an affordable alternative to traditional missile-based drone defense systems, addressing the cost imbalance associated with using multi-million-dollar missiles against drone swarms.
Initial testing is being conducted by the ZenaDrone engineering team at the company’s testing range near its Mesa, Arizona, facility. The campaign will evaluate VTOL performance, high-speed maneuverability, target acquisition and tracking algorithms, guidance controls, and communications reliability.
Shaun Passley, Ph.D., CEO of ZenaTech, commented, “Our engineering team has reached an important milestone as we begin flight testing of the Interceptor P-1. This program is focused on validating the aircraft’s flight characteristics, autonomous capabilities, and system reliability before advancing to increasingly complex interception exercises. We believe the demand for affordable counter-drone solutions continues to grow globally as military organizations and critical infrastructure operators seek cost-effective methods to defend against rapidly evolving drone threats.”
Subsequent phases are expected to include autonomous target pursuit, moving-target intercept exercises, multi-drone operational scenarios, and integration with ZenaTech’s Zena AI Counter-UAS command software.
The Interceptor P-1 prototype was first disclosed in March 2026, when ZenaTech stated a target selling price of under $5,000. The company is positioning the platform as a significantly lower-cost alternative to traditional missile- and laser-based interception systems for asymmetric drone warfare.
The interceptor is being engineered to operate as part of ZenaTech’s broader Counter-UAS ecosystem, integrating with the company’s AI-powered threat detection, classification, and autonomous swarm command software.
The planned architecture is intended to allow a single operator to monitor, identify, prioritize, and respond to multiple airborne threats simultaneously using coordinated autonomous interceptor drones.
In April 2026, ZenaTech announced the registration of Phoenix Aero LLC, a Ukrainian entity based in Lviv. The company is in the process of establishing the office to support future manufacturing and testing of the Interceptor P-1 and other counter-UAS systems as part of its operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
ZenaTech believes low-cost autonomous interceptors will play an increasingly important role in protecting military bases, maritime operations, airports, energy facilities, government infrastructure, ports, border operations, and other critical assets against hostile drones and drone swarm attacks.
The company expects to continue expanding the testing program throughout 2026 as development progresses toward future operational demonstrations and customer evaluations.
