Wild Hornets
Wild Hornets (Дикі Шершні) is a Kyiv-based Ukrainian MilTech company founded in 2023 that designs and mass-produces FPV combat drones, with a core focus on cost-effective interceptor systems (STING, Werewolf) used by over 100 units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to counter Russian and Iranian kamikaze drones.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- HeadquartersKyiv, Ukraine
- Headcount51–100
- GTM type—
- Offering—
What Wild Hornets does
Wild Hornets (Дикі Шершні) is a Ukrainian MilTech company founded in spring 2023 and headquartered in Kyiv, with manufacturing operations in Vyshneve. The company designs and mass-produces FPV (First Person View) combat drones, with a primary focus on counter-drone interceptor systems. Its flagship STING interceptor is built to engage Russian and Iranian kamikaze drones (Shahed, Geran, Lancet variants) at speeds up to 280 km/h and altitudes of 5,000 m, with company-reported 80–90% hit rates. The product portfolio also includes the Wild Hornet Digital and Wild Hornet Strike FPV strike platforms, the Queen Hornet 17-inch multirole platform (bomber, mine layer, kamikaze, signal repeater, logistics carrier), the Werewolf high-speed interceptor variant, and proprietary Hornet Vision digital video and Hornet Vision Ctrl remote-control systems that enable drone operation from over 2,000 km via Starlink connectivity. Digital Ground Control Stations support both DJI and Walksnail ecosystems with up to 24-hour operation.
Wild Hornets serves primarily the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with active deployments across over 100 military units spanning the Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard, Special Operations Forces, SBU, HUR, Air Force, and State Border Guard Service. Notable users include the Kraken Special Detachment, 73rd Naval Special Operations Center, 12th Azov Brigade, Bulava Presidential Fly Team, 79th and 95th Air Assault Brigades, and the 412th Nemesis Brigade. Combat-validated performance data includes over 3,000 enemy drones destroyed in the first seven months of STING deployment, approximately 1,500 Russian drones shot down in a single month, and verified neutralization of 1,738 enemy assets valued at $1.69 billion.
The company operates a hybrid revenue model combining direct drone sales to Ukrainian military units (priced at roughly $1,000–$2,500 per interceptor, compared to $20,000–$50,000 for Shahed drones and multi-million-dollar conventional missiles) with a charitable donation infrastructure supporting global crowdfunding. Distribution flows through direct procurement and partnerships with leading Ukrainian charitable foundations including Come Back Alive, NAFO, and Sternenko Community, alongside corporate donors such as DTEK and Nova Poshta. Following Ukraine's first wartime export licenses granted in February 2025, Wild Hornets is pursuing government-to-government sales to the US Pentagon and Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan), with international expansion underwritten by the company's co-development relationships with elite units such as the 93rd Mechanized Brigade and the 420th Separate Battalion of Unmanned Systems.
Wild Hornets firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Wild Hornets
- Legal name
- Wild Hornets (Дикі Шершні)
- Website
- https://wildhornets.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Wild Hornets (Дикі Шершні) is a Kyiv-based Ukrainian MilTech company founded in 2023 that designs and mass-produces FPV combat drones, with a core focus on cost-effective interceptor systems (STING, Werewolf) used by over 100 units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to counter Russian and Iranian kamikaze drones.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Wild Hornets industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Military Drones / Combat UAVs
- NAICS
- Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)
- SIC
- Aircraft & Parts (3720), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aircraft (UAV) (IMABAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Systems & Drone Defense (IMABAIAG), UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL)
Keywords
Where Wild Hornets is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kyiv
- HQ country
- Ukraine
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Wild Hornets business model
Business model- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Drone Sales to Military Units: Wild Hornets sells combat drones directly to Ukrainian military units through partnerships with charitable funds and direct procurement. The company also has a registered LLC that works with corporate donors, Ukraine's largest charitable funds, and international funds.
- Donations and Fundraising: Wild Hornets operates a charitable fund that accepts donations from individuals worldwide to support drone production. Supports can donate via monobank, PrivatBank, cryptocurrency, credit cards, and merch store purchases.
- Potential International Exports: Ukraine granted first wartime licenses in February 2025 allowing domestic arms manufacturers to export weapons. Wild Hornets has received international inquiries from Gulf states and is seeking government approval for exports, with potential interest from US and NATO countries.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | STING Interceptor - High-speed drone interceptor for destroying Shahed-type drones |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Wild Hornet Strike - 10-inch FPV strike drone |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Interceptor drones cost comparison |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Wild Hornets product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wild Hornets is a Ukrainian MilTech company that designs, develops, and mass-produces FPV (First Person View) combat drones, including high-speed interceptor drones (STING, Werewolf), multirole strike platforms (Queen Hornet, Wild Hornet Strike, Wild Hornet Digital), and proprietary digital ground control stations. Its products are used by over 100 Ukrainian military units and international government customers for counter-drone air defense, strike, reconnaissance, mining, and logistics missions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- STING Interceptor Drone High-speed FPV interceptor drone designed to destroy Russian and Iranian kamikaze drones (Shahed, Geran, Lancet, reconnaissance). Features 80-90% successful hit rate, maximum speed of 280 km/h, operational altitude up to 5,000m, and remote detonation capability. For Ukrainian military and allied air defense units.
- Wild Hornet Digital Anti-Aircraft FPV Drone 10-inch digital anti-aircraft interceptor drone for aerial target engagement. Equipped with Hornet Vision or DJI digital video transmission, 140 km/h maximum speed, 25 km maximum range, and 0.3 kg payload capacity. Designed for Ukrainian military air defense units.
- Wild Hornet Strike (10-inch FPV Drone) 10-inch FPV strike/kamikaze drone supporting both analog and digital video transmission. Features 120 km/h maximum speed, 30 km maximum range, and up to 3 kg payload capacity. Priced approximately $2,500 per unit. For Ukrainian military strike operations.
- Queen Hornet (17-inch Multirole FPV Drone) 17-inch multirole FPV drone platform functioning as bomber, mine layer, kamikaze, signal repeater, logistics carrier, and carrier of smaller drones. Features 160 km/h maximum speed, 20 km range, 9 kg maximum payload, and incendiary/RPG/assault rifle mounting capabilities. For Ukrainian military multirole missions.
- Werewolf High-Speed Interceptor Drone High-speed interceptor drone variant designed for enhanced speed performance against faster jet-powered enemy drones such as Geran-4 and Geran-5. Part of Wild Hornets' rapid upgrade cycle for the STING interceptor family. For Ukrainian military and allied air defense units.
- Digital Ground Control Stations 2-in-1 ground control stations compatible with both DJI and Walksnail digital video systems. Feature 24-hour operating time, up to 22 km transmission range, 180-degree rotating antenna module, and sealed design for extreme conditions. For military drone operators.
Quantifiable outcome
- 80-90% successful hit rate for STING interceptor
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Wild Hornets
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Wild Hornets technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability3 records
Feature5 records
Wild Hornets partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- 93rd Mechanized Brigade 'Kholodnyi Yar'coreElite Ukrainian military unit that collaborates with Wild Hornets on drone development and provides battlefield feedback for product iteration.
- 73rd Naval Special Operations CentercoreUkrainian special operations unit that works with Wild Hornets and has used drones in combat operations.
- 420th Separate Battalion of Unmanned SystemscoreDedicated unmanned systems battalion that collaborates with Wild Hornets on drone testing and combat deployment.
- Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR)coreUkrainian defense intelligence agency that uses Wild Hornets drones and provides feedback for product development.
- Wild Hornets CanadaminorInternational volunteer affiliate group and member of the Ukrainian World Congress, organizing fundraisers and supporting Wild Hornets from Canada.
- Brave1 Defense Technology HubcoreUkrainian defense technology incubator that facilitated development of interceptor drones like Wild Hornets' STING. Led by CEO Andrii Hrytseniuk, developed new class of interceptor drones achieving 97% interception rate.
- US PentagonminorUS Department of Defense reportedly in talks to purchase Ukrainian interceptor drones and seeking to learn from Ukraine's drone warfare expertise developed over four years of conflict.
Scale indicators9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Wild Hornets competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Anduril Industries: Anduril is a US defense technology company that develops counter-UAS systems including the Roadrunner and Bolt-M autonomous interceptor drones. Directly comparable to Wild Hornets as a next-generation counter-drone manufacturer targeting both US and allied militaries.
- Shield AI: Shield AI builds AI-pilot autonomous drones (V-BAT, Hivemind) for defense applications, with active counter-UAS and ISR programs. Comparable to Wild Hornets as an AI-enabled military drone manufacturer targeting allied militaries for autonomous operations.
- AeroVironment: AeroVironment is a US-based manufacturer of tactical unmanned aircraft systems, most notably the Switchblade kamikaze loitering munition, which is a direct combat drone comparable to Wild Hornets' STING interceptor and FPV strike drones. Both companies target military customers with low-cost, expendable drone-based precision effects.
- D-Fend Solutions: D-Fend Solutions is an Israeli counter-UAS company providing drone detection and takeover solutions to military and security forces worldwide. Comparable to Wild Hornets in the broader counter-drone defense market, particularly relevant for international expansion to Gulf states and allied militaries.
- Tekever: Tekever is a Portuguese unmanned systems company that has partnered with Ukraine to deploy combat drones on the front lines. Directly comparable as a European combat drone manufacturer leveraging the Ukraine battlefield for product validation and export to allied nations.
- Skyfall (Skyfall Dynamics): Skyfall is a Ukrainian MilTech FPV drone manufacturer directly competing with Wild Hornets in the same domestic market, producing kamikaze and strike drones for Ukrainian military units. A near-direct competitor with overlapping product portfolio and customer base.
- Terminal Autonomy: Terminal Autonomy is another Ukrainian FPV drone manufacturer producing combat drones for Ukrainian defense forces. Directly comparable as a peer Ukrainian MilTech company pursuing similar product lines (kamikaze drones, multirole platforms) and customer relationships.
Emerging players
- Destinus: Destinus is a European developer of high-speed autonomous aerial systems with defense applications, including potential counter-drone capabilities. Emerging player in the same autonomous defense drone space as Wild Hornets, with complementary technology in remote piloting and high-speed flight.
- Quantum Systems: Quantum Systems is a German manufacturer of unmanned aerial systems for defense and security applications, including tethered drones and ISR platforms. Comparable as a European defense drone manufacturer with established relationships with NATO militaries.
Broad incumbents
- Baykar: Baykar is the Turkish drone manufacturer behind the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci combat drones, which have reshaped modern warfare doctrine. A broader incumbent in combat drones that competes for the same defense procurement budgets as Wild Hornets, especially in NATO and Gulf state markets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Wild Hornets social profiles
Digital presenceWild Hornets financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Wild Hornets leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Wild Hornets funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Wild Hornets M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Wild Hornets
What does Wild Hornets do?
Wild Hornets is a Ukrainian MilTech company that designs, develops, and mass-produces FPV (First Person View) combat drones, including high-speed interceptor drones (STING, Werewolf), multirole strike platforms (Queen Hornet, Wild Hornet Strike, Wild Hornet Digital), and proprietary digital ground control stations. Its products are used by over 100 Ukrainian military units and international government customers for counter-drone air defense, strike, reconnaissance, mining, and logistics missions.
Is Wild Hornets a public or private company?
Wild Hornets is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Wild Hornets founded?
Wild Hornets was founded in 2023. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Wild Hornets based?
Wild Hornets is headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, in the Europe region.
How does Wild Hornets make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Drone Sales to Military Units are the primary driver. The others are donations and Fundraising and potential International Exports.
Who are Wild Hornets's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Anduril Industries, Shield AI, AeroVironment, D-Fend Solutions, Tekever, Skyfall (Skyfall Dynamics) and Terminal Autonomy. Emerging players are Destinus and Quantum Systems. Baykar is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Wild Hornets have an API?
No public API is recorded for Wild Hornets.
What industry is Wild Hornets in?
Wild Hornets's product category is Military Drones / Combat UAVs. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAIAB, Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aircraft (UAV), with a secondary code of IMABAIAG, Counter-UAS (C-UAS) Systems & Drone Defense. Its NAICS code is 336419 and its SIC code is 3720.