Lviv IT Cluster Launches Shahedbusters Project to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure

Lviv IT Cluster, in cooperation with the Lviv Regional Military Administration and the Air Command West, announced the launch of the Shahedbusters project. This project aims to protect the critical infrastructure of the Lviv region, ensuring uninterrupted operation against the potential shahed drone attacks.

In September, the Lviv region experienced its first attacks from Russian shahed drones. These drones are cheaper than missile launches but can inflict significant damage. In response, and in collaboration with the Military Administration and Armed Forces, 28 critical infrastructure sites requiring enhanced protection have been identified. This step is vital to guarantee the continuity of operations for enterprises and other critical infrastructure facilities.

“230 relocated businesses and 5,000 preserved jobs – that’s the outcome of the mass relocation of enterprises to the Lviv region. Our region stands as the first in Ukraine by these statistics. Furthermore, people continue to arrive here daily, evacuating from the front-line areas. To ensure the well-being of everyone residing in the Lviv region and to maximize the protection of critical infrastructure from potential enemy attacks, the Lviv Regional Military Administration turned to socially responsible businesses for assistance in strengthening our region’s air defense by establishing mobile teams for countering shahed drones. We express our gratitude to all the companies that promptly responded to our request. Thanks to the Lviv IT Cluster, which has been and remains a leader in providing assistance and developing such vital projects since the outset of the full-scale war,”​​ says Maksym Kozytskyi, the Head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration.

The initial phase of the project encompasses the procurement, refurbishment, and technical outfitting of ten vehicles with essential equipment. This includes night vision devices, thermal imaging cameras, spotlights, and a single automated turret. The total cost of this phase is approximately UAH 12,000,000, a sum entirely funded by the Lviv IT Cluster community.

“The first five vehicles have already been purchased and are currently undergoing necessary repairs. Over the next few weeks, we will be transferring them to the Lviv Air Command West personnel. Subsequently, we will proceed with the outfitting and delivery of the remaining five vehicles. One of these vehicles will be equipped with an automated turret featuring a machine gun capable of independently detecting, tracking, and neutralizing targets. This innovative tech solution significantly enhances the effectiveness of engaging specific targets, such as enemy UAVs. Presently, this turret will be installed on one vehicle, with the potential for its installation on all ten in the future,” says Stepan Veselovskyi, CEO of Lviv IT Cluster.

The next phase of the project focuses on outfitting all ten vehicles with automated turrets. This phase of the Shahedbusters project requires an estimated budget of approximately UAH 14,000,000. Remarkably, nearly 50 member companies of Lviv IT Cluster have already joined the project. Their active involvement in this project not only bolsters regional security but also ensures the seamless operation of all sectors of the economy.

If your company is eager to support the Shahedbusters project, please do not hesitate to get in touch: yurii.ohonovskyi@itcluster.lviv.ua

The concept behind the project draws inspiration from the movie Ghostbusters, where the protagonists come together to tackle a challenge that seemed insurmountable. Similarly, in the context of the ongoing war, our military personnel are effectively addressing Ukraine’s primary challenges. The Lviv IT Cluster aims to make a meaningful contribution to this cause by leveraging its core strengths: technology and innovative solutions.

The Shahedbusters project is an integral component of the Lviv Military Administration’s initiative, which entails establishing 56 specialized mobile teams. These teams are dedicated to safeguarding the region’s critical infrastructure from enemy UAV attacks.

The Shahedbusters project has been supported by: 711media, Artelogic, Avenga, Axles, Bits Orchestra, CharStudio, DevCom, Deviark,Devspiration, Euristiq, Gameloft, GIS Art, GreenM, Impressit, Indeema, Infineon, Inoxoft, Intellias, Iterasec, Jappware, Keel Solution, LinkUp Studio, MEV, N-iX, Nerdysoft, Newsoft, ORIL, Reenbit, Relevant Software, Rolique, Romexsoft, Sigma Software, Simply Contact, Soft Innovation, Teamwoy, Tech Magic, Tech1,Техніка для бізнесу, Temy, Ukeess, Vakoms, Vector Software, VItech, Volpis, VoIPTime, wwwest solutions, ZONE3000, Zooltech, QubStudio.