Zelenskyy says Ukraine has identified first prototypes to fight jet-powered Shaheds
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine will soon receive additional support for its air force. In addition, the first weapons prototypes to counter Russian jet-powered Shaheds have been identified, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The head of state spoke about the results of a discussion with the Defense Ministry and military officials responsible for planning Ukrainian weapons production.
"First, we approved our long-range operations for October. Second, we identified the areas for the necessary supply of our F-16s by the end of the year. There are specific countries with which we are working on specific aviation packages. There will be a boost in the near future," the president said.
Zelenskyy also reported discussing a counter-system against jet-powered Shaheds, adding that the first prototypes capable of serving as effective weapons have been identified.
"There are clear timelines, funding, and production volumes that must be secured for this particular weapon. We are also working on additional technological solutions for protection and a larger number of effective interceptors," the head of state said.
Updated at 9:18 p.m
Zelenskyy noted that weekly work is ongoing with developers and interceptor manufacturers, as well as on necessary components and everything needed to counter Russian jet-powered drones.
"Ukrainian interceptors are already being used in combat conditions. Their effectiveness is still insufficient, but the interception rate should increase every week. And it will. We have set targets for October, including specific production volumes," the president stressed.
He said this is a strategic task, and the Defense Ministry, the Ukrainian Armed Forces and each manufacturer have clear targets for what needs to be done.
It was previously reported that National Security and Defense Council Secretary Ihor Klymenko said Ukraine is testing its own interceptors for jet-powered drones. He noted that some combat groups are already using them.
In addition, Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara called for funding interceptors against jet-powered Shaheds. He stressed that the money is needed this fall so manufacturers can purchase components and produce the interceptors in time.
