Ukraine unveils new air defense unit: Details
A new air defense unit will be established in Ukraine (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine is forming new air defense units that will be equipped with interceptor drones, states Spokesperson of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yurii Ihnat.
It is noted that the intensity of Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian settlements has been steadily increasing, particularly involving Shahed-type drones and decoy drones aimed at confusing Ukrainian air defense forces.
"Lately, the Russian Federation has been sending drones at an altitude of about 2 kilometers. That's why it's becoming more and more difficult for our mobile units to intercept Shahed drones," Ihnat explained.
He emphasized that it is easier to identify and shoot down drones when they are flying at lower altitudes. According to Ihnat, drones are first detected acoustically, then visually, and with the help of thermal imaging cameras and targeting devices.
"Opening fire on them is only effective once a drone is flying at an altitude of up to 1 kilometer," he added.
It is noted that to intercept Shahed drones, which fly faster than many other types, Ukraine needs specialized unmanned aerial vehicles. In this regard, experts stress the urgent need for the mass production of defense systems that can protect Ukrainian towns and villages.
"We are forming new units to cover cities in the hinterland with air defense systems equipped with interceptor drones and we are also training drone pilots," Ihnat emphasized.
Drone production in Ukraine
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Ukrainian companies have been actively developing and manufacturing various types of drones, ranging from reconnaissance to strike models.
Special focus is also being placed on kamikaze drones. In addition to domestic developments, Ukraine is cooperating with international partners.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksandr Kozenko stated that Ukraine has taken its drone industry to a new level, as the defense-industrial complex is now capable of producing around ten million drones annually.
