Ukraine intercepted over 5,300 aerial targets in July, but one threat remains critical
Ukrainian Armed Forces identify key challenge during massive attacks (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted more than 5,300 drones and missiles last month while repelling massive Russian attacks, with ballistic missiles posing the key challenge, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
According to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy used more than 9,000 attack drones and missiles during air strikes, excluding reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles.
Throughout July 2026, air defense forces intercepted:
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5,142 Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and other types of attack drones;
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216 missiles of various types.
In addition, more than 48,000 tactical-level drones were neutralized. Ballistic missiles remain the main challenge for air defense.
In July, the enemy used a record number of ballistic missiles to strike Ukraine. The figures include the results of operations by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine while repelling attacks.
Largest drone and missile attacks in July
In July, Ukrainian air defenses operated amid a critical shortage of interceptor missiles needed to counter ballistic attacks.
On the night of July 2, the enemy used 4 Zircon anti-ship missiles, 24 Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missiles, 34 Kh-101 cruise missiles, 8 Kalibr missiles, 4 Kh-59/69 guided air-launched missiles, and nearly 500 long-range drones of various types.
Under these conditions, Ukrainian forces shot down or suppressed 476 drones, 44 of 46 cruise and guided air-launched missiles, but only 4 of 28 missiles traveling on a ballistic trajectory.
The attack on the night of July 6 was similar in scale, with the enemy using 68 missiles and more than 350 drones. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 326 unmanned aerial vehicles and 37 of 39 cruise missiles. Unfortunately, the ballistic missiles could not be intercepted.
The third-largest attack in July occurred on the night of July 30, when the enemy launched 74 missiles of various types and more than 280 drones. Ukrainian air defenders intercepted 265 of 284 attack drones, 54 cruise missiles, and 1 ballistic missile.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said that the country urgently needs missiles to defend against Russia's massive ballistic missile attacks.
Kyiv is currently holding talks with the United States on accelerating the delivery of missiles for Patriot systems, as well as launching joint production of air defense systems. In addition, Ukraine is counting on Japan's support in organizing the production of Patriot systems under a US license.
Zelenskyy also announced new personnel appointments aimed at strengthening the protection of Ukrainian airspace and outlined specific steps to accelerate the implementation of key defense projects.
