The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reports that more than 4,700 hostile drones and missiles aimed at strategic targets were destroyed in September. Meanwhile, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that at least 48,000 tactical-level uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) were also neutralised over the past month.
Specifically, Ukraine’s air defence forces intercepted 2,722 Shahed-131/136 attack UAS, 1,935 Shahed-238 attack UAS, 1,009 reconnaissance UAS and 719 Lancet UAS.
The ministry said Russia is increasing its use of jet-powered drones that fly at speeds of around 400 km/h, reducing the time available to detect and intercept them. In addition, it is seeing small groups of several jet-powered drones being sent to different regions. Ukraine said it is developing “innovative interception capabilities” to add an additional layer to its air defence to counter this tactic.
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Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
Image: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
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