Kyiv to launch drone interceptors in race to stop Russian Shahed swarms
Photo: Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv City Military Administration (kyivcity.gov.ua)
A major project called Clear Sky will be launched in Kyiv to protect the capital's airspace from Shahed-type drones using domestically produced interceptor UAVs, informs Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv City Military Administration.
According to Tkachenko, the initiative will be funded with 260 million hryvnias (about $6.2 mln.) The money will go toward building an effective response system:
- Training centers for drone operators will be established. They will be trained to pilot interceptor drones.
- Additional mobile units will be formed to patrol Kyiv and its surrounding areas.
Tkachenko said the project is being implemented in close coordination with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Air Force, to ensure synergy with existing air defense systems.
In just a few months of pilot operation, the Clear Sky system has intercepted around 550 drones.
"In addition, we are working to attract extra-budgetary funds. This is an investment in the safety of every Kyiv resident. While the enemy keeps attacking, we keep strengthening our defense. The sky over Kyiv will be clear," he added.
Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian territory has been subjected to regular attacks involving missiles, drones, artillery, and guided aerial bombs.
Drone strikes occur nearly every night. Kyiv is among the most frequently targeted areas. The capital has come under nightly attacks, including during yesterday's massive combined strike, which was primarily aimed at the city. At least 28 people were injured in that latest wave, according to current information.
For more details about the attack, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
