Ukraine downs jet drones at 100% rate in some cases, but Russia develops faster ones

Ukraine's air defense structure

As the minister explained, Ukraine's airspace is protected by surface-to-air missile systems, man-portable air defense systems, gun turrets, electronic warfare (EW) systems, interceptor drone crews, and short-range air defense units.

Moreover, these capabilities are complemented by aircraft, including Mirage and F-16 jets.

According to Minister Khmara, the Ministry of Defense works to secure supplies of interceptor drones, aircraft and ammunition, surface-to-air missile and artillery systems, gun turrets, EW equipment, and other solutions.

He stressed that it is now crucial to plan several steps ahead and maintain sufficient stocks of the necessary weapons.

"We also know what capabilities Russia develops, including jet-powered drones with speeds of 800 km/h. We are also working to counter the next generation of threats. Manufacturers and the defense industry have been tasked with providing proposals and prototypes," Khmara said.

Interception of jet Shahed drones

The defense minister acknowledged that these Russian drones remain a serious problem. However, he added that Ukraine has already achieved successful results using interceptor drones against jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles.

"One unit destroyed five aerial targets using five interceptor drones (Bars) in combat. That means a 100% success rate. This experience is now being studied and scaled up, with additional specialists and units joining the effort," Khmara noted.

Moreover, large-caliber gun turrets have also proven effective against jet-powered drones. Ukraine already has hundreds of them in its arsenal.

According to the minister, Ukraine is expanding this capability, and it is also developing longer-range systems.

"Surface-to-air missile systems and man-portable air defense systems are also proving effective. We are focused on purchasing both the systems themselves and the missiles for them, and we are discussing this with partners in various countries," he added.

Aircraft against jet drones

Khmara said aircraft remain one of the most effective ways to counter jet-powered drones.

"The Ministry of Defense is working to make F-16s more readily available for combat air patrols. One of the bottlenecks is aircraft maintenance, and the relevant capabilities are now being expanded," the minister noted.

He also added that Ukraine is using Mirage aircraft to counter aerial targets. For both platforms, maintaining sufficient ammunition reserves for several months ahead is critically important.

Ballistic missile threat

This remains a critical problem for Ukraine. Existing and potential deliveries of missiles needed to intercept ballistic threats are insufficient.

The Ministry of Defense is actively negotiating with allies to accelerate deliveries of the necessary missiles.

"The goal is not to wait for major long-term contracts, but to find available stocks among our partners as quickly as possible and speed up their transfer to Ukraine. We need dozens and hundreds of missiles, not isolated deliveries. At the same time, Ukraine is pursuing an asymmetric response by striking Russian launchers," Khmara stressed.

According to him, Ukrainian Defense Forces struck eight launchers used for ballistic attacks in September and October alone: three were destroyed, and five were damaged.

Countering guided aerial bombs

As Khmara explained, countering guided aerial bombs requires a comprehensive approach. The main priority is to target the platforms that carry them: Russian aircraft and airfield infrastructure.

"Ukraine is also considering and testing additional solutions that will make it possible to counter aircraft carrying guided aerial bombs more effectively," the minister concluded.

He also discussed whether Ukraine has any developments involving jet engines.