Ukraine shoots down up to 85% of Russia's jet-powered drones, but faces critical shortage
Photo: Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command (Getty Images)
Ukraine’s military is shooting down an increasing share of Russia’s jet-powered drones, with the interception rate reaching 85% on some days. However, a shortage of weapons is preventing air defenses from becoming even more effective, according to Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command.
According to Ihnat, when Russia began actively deploying jet-powered drones in July, Ukrainian forces were intercepting about 40% of these targets. The rate rose to around 60% in August and reached 85% in some recent reports.
At the same time, Russia is increasing the number of drones it launches. Russian forces deployed 2,800 drones in August and more than 3,500 in September.
“The more drones the enemy deploys, the more resources we have to expend on intercepting them,” Ihnat explained.
He added that Ukrainian forces are gaining experience in combating these targets, which is improving interception rates. However, the number of available weapons used to destroy them is not increasing.
Further improvements in air defense effectiveness will require additional missiles and ammunition for various ground-based systems and combat aircraft.
How many jet-powered drones is Russia launching?
Russia deploys jet-powered drones both at night and during the day. According to Ihnat’s estimate, the country is currently launching around 100 of these drones during the daytime and another 100 or so at night.
Jet-powered UAVs are not the only type of drone used by Russian forces. Russia continues to combine them with conventional Shahed drones.
As a result, even a high interception rate does not mean every target can be protected from attack. According to Ihnat, drones that reach their targets can cause significant damage.
He explained that even five to 10 hits out of every 100 drones launched could have serious consequences.
“The Air Force is doing everything possible to shoot down as many drones as it can. But even five to 10 hits a day can cause considerable damage,” Ihnat concluded.
On October 8, the Spalakh crew of the 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile and Artillery Brigade shot down a Russian Geran-5 drone-missile for the second time in the Chernihiv region. Before it was intercepted, the drone was traveling at approximately 430 kilometers per hour (267 mph) at an altitude of 780 meters (2,559 feet).
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Armed Forces are introducing innovative methods to intercept jet-powered drones, although details of these systems have not been disclosed.
