1,000 drones in one night? Ukraine’s Air Force addresses Russia’s potential
Photo: Head of the Communications Department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yurii Ihnat (Getty Images)
Russia is increasing the number of drones it launches at Ukrainian cities overnight. Ukraine must strengthen its efforts to counter enemy drones, according to Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during a national TV marathon.
Earlier, social media and some military experts suggested that Russia was preparing to significantly ramp up attacks on Ukraine and might launch up to a thousand drones at once.
"There were indeed various statements — whether they would be Shaheds or Shaheds used together with decoy drones. The public shouldn't be overly frightened. Of course, we need to prepare for an increase [in drone numbers], because that is the current trend," Ihnat commented.
According to a representative of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there is a growing trend in drone production in Russia. However, Ihnat noted that the enemy is also increasing its use of decoy drones, as ramping up the production of strike UAVs is an expensive process.
"That’s why the enemy is also increasing the numbers specifically by using decoy drones, which do pose a certain threat, but they are still not Shaheds. And, of course, one could talk about figures like a thousand, but for now we are seeing the numbers I mentioned on those specific dates [previous mass attacks – ed.]. The enemy is already deploying up to 500 [drones per night – ed.]," he said.
Ihnat added that Ukraine must do everything possible to counter Russian drones. This includes electronic warfare systems, short-range air defense systems, and drone-based air defense.
Air Force clarification
After Yurii Ihnat’s statement, information spread online claiming that Russia supposedly launches 1,000 drones per night. However, the Air Force denied this.
"Colonel Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Air Force, never stated anywhere or to anyone that Russia would launch 1,000 drones per night! We once again urge the media to verify sources and not use official Air Force representatives for hype," the statement reads.
Drone attacks on Ukraine
In recent months, Russia has increasingly launched strike drones and decoy UAVs against Ukraine. For instance, during the night of June 1, Russia set a new record by launching 472 drones at Ukraine.
Earlier, the Air Force said that the Russians might intensify drone strikes against the country.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russians are preparing to produce 300 to 350 drones per day. However, in his view, the invaders could stockpile up to a thousand drones over several days and then launch them all at Ukraine.
