Ukraine records first-ever systematic drone interception, downs 100 Russian drones
Photo: Ukrainian Armed Forces shoot down 100 Shahed drones with interceptor drones for the first time in history (Getty Images)
Units of the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine reported destroying 100 enemy attack drones using interceptor drones.
The tactic involves a breakthrough method that allows effective and cost-efficient downing of Shahed drones without using expensive air defense missiles.
According to data from the Darknode unit of the 412th Nemesis Regiment, as of today, they have destroyed:
- 76 Shahed-136 kamikaze drones of Iranian origin, which Russia actively uses to strike Ukrainian cities;
- 24 Gerbera drones, cheaper versions of Shahed, produced in Russia.
This is the first documented case worldwide of a systematic destruction of long-range drones using other drones.
The cost of one interceptor drone is about $5,000, while launching an air defense missile can cost up to $1 million.
This approach helps save resources and compensates for the shortage of traditional air defense systems.
The Unmanned Systems Forces say the technology will be scaled up to provide more reliable protection of civilian infrastructure against Russian air attacks.
Russian drone attacks on Ukraine
On the night of May 18, Russia launched a record-breaking drone attack on Ukraine, deploying 273 drones, including Shahed strike drones and decoys.
This was the largest number of drones Russia has ever deployed against Ukraine in a single night. The previous record was 267 drones, back on February 23, 2025.
