Russian Shahed drones fly as low as 10 meters to evade radar, Ukraine says
Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force (photo: Ukrinform)
Russian drones find ways to reach even the most remote regions of Ukraine during air attacks. Russia uses complex routes and takes advantage of geographical features, according to Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force.
How drones bypass air defenses
To fly unhindered to western Ukraine, the enemy uses the border areas of neighboring countries. In particular, drones are detected near the borders with Belarus, Moldova, and Romania.
"There is information that Belarus may be helping with these flights. This has been discussed repeatedly, and assessments have been made on this issue," Yurii Ihnat said.
While moving toward the capital, Russians also try to conceal aerial targets over water. From the northern direction, they often use the Kyiv Reservoir for this purpose.
The drones fly as close to the ground as possible so that Ukrainian radar stations cannot detect them in time. Because of this, air defenders are actively using light aircraft and specialized ground units.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force representative, the following assets are currently helping counter the attacks:
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Interceptor drones;
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Short-range air defense units;
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Mobile fire groups.
"No one is writing off the mobile fire groups. They are quite effective at low altitudes because, as we can see today, videos are even appearing online showing a drone flying 10–20 meters above the ground. This is exactly where fire groups can operate successfully at such distances," Yurii Ihnat emphasized.
Russia launched one of its largest mass attacks on Ukraine overnight. The enemy used more than 700 attack weapons simultaneously, with Kyiv as the main target.
More than 100 people have been injured as a result of the attack. 14 Ukrainians were killed.
