Ukrainian mobile fire units intercept Russian drones and missiles daily
Photo: Mobile fire units mostly target Russian drones at low altitude (facebook.com/pvkshid)
Russian forces launch drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities daily, targeting not only air defense systems but also mobile fire units, according to Air Command East of the Ukrainian Air Force.
"Air defense crews of the mobile fire units are at work. They are our shield in the sky. Every enemy target shot down saves lives, homes, and prevents tragedy. This keeps Ukraine's skies safe," the post reads.
The attached video shows mobile fire units in action within the area of responsibility of Air Command East.
Mobile fire units in the Ukrainian Armed Forces
A mobile fire unit is an air defense subdivision that engages low-altitude aerial targets, including drones. These units move quickly and take positions to intercept targets that fly past air defense systems or at too low an altitude. They typically consist of a small number of service members operating several vehicles.
Mobile fire units are armed with heavy machine guns, anti-aircraft cannons, or MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems) mounted on chassis, often pickups. They support air defense, protect critical infrastructure, and increase the flexibility of Ukraine’s defense system during mass drone attacks.
In September, Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine urgently needed 10 additional Patriot systems to defend against Russian ballistic missiles. Later, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he expected a decision from the United States on supplying these air defense systems.
The need for such systems has grown amid Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine, including a surge in strikes on the country's energy infrastructure.
