Ukraine's air defenses intercepted 89% of targets in June, but ballistic missiles remain challenge
Photo: Russian Kinzhal missile (Russian media)
Ukraine intercepted the vast majority of Russian attack drones during last month's air attacks. However, the interception rate for ballistic missiles dropped to 40%, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.
Ukraine's air defense performance in June 2026
According to the military, Ukraine's air defenses intercepted 89% of all aerial targets during Russia's large-scale attacks.
In total, Russia launched nearly 6,000 drones and missiles at Ukraine during the month.
Ukrainian forces destroyed nearly 5,300 of them, including:
- 90% of Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas drones;
- 90% of cruise missiles, including Kalibr, Iskander-K, Kh-101, and others;
- 40% of ballistic missiles, including Iskander, Kinzhal, 48N6DM, and other ballistic targets.
Why ballistic missiles remain a challenge
According to the Ministry of Defense, ballistic missiles remain the greatest challenge for Ukraine's air defenses.
"Intercepting them requires a significant number of PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems," the ministry said.
Ukraine is urging its partners to provide interceptor missiles currently held in stockpiles to help protect the country's critical infrastructure, the ministry added.
As previously reported, during the night of July 9, Russia attacked Ukraine with ballistic missiles, Shahed attack drones, and Parodiya decoy drones. Two ballistic missiles and 19 attack drones struck targets at 13 different locations.
On July 8, Russian forces struck Odesa with two ballistic missiles. The strike killed four people and injured six others.
