Ukraine's army chief reveals how Ukraine countered Shahed drones in June
Photo: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi (Getty Images)
Russia's large-scale aerial attacks are forcing Ukraine to develop new ways to defend its skies. In June, interceptor drones played a key role in hunting down Shahed drones, according to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi.
In June, Ukraine's Defense Forces destroyed nearly 5,000 Shahed attack drones and other UAVs of the same class.
According to Syrskyi, first-echelon interception crews accounted for 55% of all destroyed attack drones. These primarily include interceptor drones, whose numbers Ukraine is increasing every month alongside the training of new crews.
Syrskyi also shared data for the Kyiv region. There, interceptor drones destroyed more than 500 aerial targets in June, while more than 600 Russian aerial attack assets were neutralized across the capital region during the month.
He noted that as the number of interceptor crews grows, so does their level of training. The military is also continuously analyzing combat performance to identify the most effective ways to deploy interceptor drones during large-scale attacks.
Operational coordination centers also play an important role in countering aerial threats. They enable faster decision-making and more effective command and control of the forces and assets involved in repelling attacks.
Turrets and remote control
Ukraine is also expanding the capabilities of its fourth interception echelon. Automated gun turrets are playing an increasingly active role in combat operations. In June alone, they destroyed 26 Russian aerial attack assets.
The Defense Forces are also deploying a network of remote-control stations to strengthen the interception system.
Role of Army Aviation
In June, the Army Aviation of Ukraine's Ground Forces destroyed 338 aerial targets.
To improve combat effectiveness, military helicopters are being equipped with new missile launchers, electro-optical targeting systems, and advanced video surveillance equipment.
Russia prepares new attacks
Russia continues its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and villages while increasing the use of jet-powered drones and loitering munitions. It is also building up forces and equipment for new large-scale strikes.
In response, Ukraine is strengthening its air defenses, electronic warfare capabilities, and short-range air defense forces. The Defense Forces are also striking Russian facilities used to manufacture, store, or launch aerial attack weapons.
As the Defense Forces expand their fleet of interceptor drones and seek new ways to shoot down Shahed drones, Ukrainian manufacturers are also broadening their range of counter-UAV technologies.
In particular, Contra Drone has unveiled a system that combines more than 20 solutions for detecting, jamming, and intercepting drones. Among the new products are the MADS automated mini air defense system for destroying FPV drones, an electronic intelligence system, mobile electronic warfare systems, and interceptor drones.
