The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is developing a multi-layered air defense system, scaling up the successful track record of 100 percent destruction of Russian jet drones by interceptor drones and launching asymmetric strikes against the Russian Armed Forces’ launchers.

Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara made this statement during a meeting with journalists, as reported by Dengi.ua citing RBC-Ukraine.

How the Ukrainian Armed Forces Counter Jet-Powered Drones and the Modernization of Russian Weapons

The defense of Ukrainian airspace is ensured through a comprehensive approach: anti-aircraft missile systems, man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), electronic warfare systems, large-caliber turrets, interceptor drones, and combat aircraft (F-16s and Mirages).

According to the head of the Defense Ministry, the following results and challenges have been identified in this area:

  • interceptor effectiveness: one unit demonstrated 100 percent effectiveness, using five “Bars” interceptor drones to eliminate five enemy jet targets; this experience is currently being scaled up;
  • operation of turrets and aircraft: the number of large-caliber turrets designed to destroy UAVs runs into the hundreds, though F-16 and Mirage aircraft remain the most effective means, and their maintenance capabilities are being expanded;
  • new threats: Russia is developing the next generation of jet-powered drones capable of speeds up to 800 km/h; as a result, the Ukrainian defense industry has already been tasked with providing prototypes of systems to counter these aircraft;
  • building up reserves: the ministry is stockpiling ammunition for aircraft and missiles for air defense systems to last several months.

Shortage of Anti-Missile Weapons and an Asymmetric Response to Ballistic Missiles and Guided Bombs

The problem of repelling ballistic strikes remains critical due to a global shortage of appropriate interceptor missiles; therefore, Ukraine is changing its procurement tactics and launching preemptive strikes against Russian ground targets.

The strategy for countering complex air targets is based on the following steps:

  • searching for available stockpiles: instead of waiting for long-term contracts to be fulfilled, the Ministry of Defense is negotiating with partners for the urgent transfer of ready-to-use missiles in the tens and hundreds;
  • destruction of launchers: as an asymmetric response, the Defense Forces are systematically striking enemy ground-based systems; in September and October alone, eight launchers were hit (three completely destroyed, five damaged);
  • countering guided aerial bombs: a key objective remains the elimination of the delivery systems for guided aerial bombs (used by Russian aircraft) and strikes against airfield infrastructure, for which additional technological solutions are being tested.