ZenaTech Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA) announced that its ZenaDrone subsidiary has begun developing a prototype for a single-use autonomous interceptor drone designed to stop hostile drones through physical interception. The prototype, called Interceptor-P1, is a vertical takeoff and landing drone that the company plans to integrate into its counter-unmanned aircraft system defense offerings.

The expendable drone is designed to address cost asymmetries in modern warfare, where adversaries deploy low-cost commercial and military drones while conventional intercept solutions like surface-to-air missiles carry significantly higher costs. ZenaTech aims to reverse this cost equation with its interceptor system.

"The drone threat on modern battlefields is accelerating faster than legacy defense budgets can absorb," said Shaun Passley, ZenaTech CEO. "Our Interceptor-P1 is being developed to give military and security forces an affordable, scalable answer by creating an interceptor and anti-drone system for a new world of asymmetric warfare."

The Interceptor P-1 is planned for deployment from ground, vehicle, and maritime platforms, including through the company's IQ Glider maritime drone platform. The system is intended to complement existing air defense systems and help protect critical infrastructure against drone swarms.

ZenaTech targets completion of an initial prototype in the coming months. The company stated it will provide updates on development progress, regulatory milestones, and engagement with defense and government agencies.

According to Markets and Markets data cited by the company, the global counter-unmanned aircraft system market is growing at over 25% annually and is projected to exceed $10 billion by 2030. ZenaTech management believes the Interceptor P-1 positions the company for future procurement opportunities with allied governments, NATO partners, and Gulf Cooperation Council defense customers.