Russia strikes Ukraine with 147 drones overnight: Air defense's work reported
File photo: Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 128 Russian drones (Getty Images)
On the night of March 18, Russia launched a new air attack on Ukraine, firing 147 drones from six directions. Air defense forces shot down most of the targets, but 15 hits were recorded, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Russian attack began as early as 6 p.m. Kyiv time on March 17 with drones of the Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas types, as well as other unmanned aerial vehicles; over 70 were Shaheds.
The launches were carried out from six directions: Orel, Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia), and Hvardiiske (temporarily occupied Crimea).
Russian air attack was repelled by the Ukrainian Air Force, air defense missile forces, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
According to preliminary data as of 8 a.m., Ukrainian air defense forces shot down or neutralized 128 Russian drones in the north, south, and east of the country.
At the same time, 15 strike drones were recorded hitting 12 locations, and debris from downed drones was found in three additional locations.
"Russian attack is ongoing; there are several Russian drones in Ukrainian airspace. Follow safety rules!" the Ukrainian Air Force warns.
Russian drones
Russia has invested at least $3 billion in the mass production of attack drones, including the Shahed model. Over 900 companies are already involved in the drone industry.
According to analysts' estimates, Russia is currently capable of producing about 30,000 attack drones per year based on the Iranian model, and this figure could double as early as 2026.
The European Union has also assessed the scale of Russia's plans for this year. According to the European Commissioner, Russia may be ready to deploy between 7 and 9 million drones by 2026.
