Almost 1,000 Shahed drones and 94% of targets shot down: MoD reveals details of Russia’s record attack
Photo: mobile air defense unit (Getty Images)
On Tuesday, March 24, Ukraine repelled the largest single-day enemy air attack since the start of the full-scale war. In total, 94.6% of the targets were destroyed or suppressed, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense.
The large-scale drone attack was preceded by a combined Russian air strike using ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as attack drones. Over the course of the day, the occupying forces launched 999 Shahed drones.
The Ministry of Defense reported that around 250 drones were used just in the Kyiv region.
"A year ago, such a number of drones would have been used for a massive attack across the entire territory of Ukraine. Yesterday, they were completely destroyed within a single region. No aerial targets were detected over Kyiv – except for a flock of birds," the statement reads.
It is noted that the aggressor country employs different types of weapons at various altitudes and speeds to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Strengthening Ukraine’s air defense
In response, Ukraine is developing a layered defense based on a systematic approach.
"All available resources are involved in repelling attacks: Air Force units, interceptor drones, mobile fire groups, tactical aviation, and helicopters. Ukraine conducts large-scale, comprehensive air operations that are unparalleled worldwide," the Ministry of Defense emphasizes.
The results of this work are evident in major cities, which have always been the aggressor's primary targets. The enemy is shifting its focus to strikes on civilian infrastructure in western Ukraine, recognizing its limited strike capabilities.
The Russian army carried out drone strikes on the center of Lviv, damaging UNESCO heritage sites and residential buildings. Debris from a downed drone also fell on one of the streets.
Additionally, Russian forces launched a drone strike on the center of Ivano-Frankivsk, damaging two maternity hospitals.
