Ignat explained what percentage of the Shahid drones are shot down by automated turrets

The automated turrets used in Ukraine’s air defense system shoot down only a portion of the “Shahed” drones. The main success in combating such drones comes from the integrated use of various air defense systems.

According to Yuriy Ignat, the number of “Shahed” drones shot down is increasing, but this should not be attributed solely to the automated turrets.

“It’s not because of that. It was announced that the turrets are operational. The shoot-down rate is fairly low because this needs to be scaled up. A turret provides point defense, typically positioned near the approaches to the facility being defended. A turret is one element of a comprehensive air defense system; it is equipped with a machine gun that can operate at a range of literally one kilometer under normal weather conditions, provided that the target enters the turret’s effective engagement range,” Ignat explained.

He also confirmed that automated turrets are being installed not only in Kyiv but also in other cities across Ukraine.

According to the head of the communications department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, turrets are just one component of a multi-layered air defense system.

“A turret is something that complements the comprehensive air defense system. Turrets account for a certain percentage of shots down—up to 10%, so to speak. Interceptor drones account for another 20%, aircraft for 30–40%, and electronic warfare systems are also in operation. The entire integrated air defense system is effective,” Ignat added.

Thus, the effectiveness of defense against jet-powered “suicide drones” depends on the simultaneous operation of various air defense assets. These include automated turrets, interceptor drones, aircraft, and electronic warfare systems.

Yuriy Ignat, head of the communications department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, announced this during a televised marathon.

Twelve automated turrets are already operational in Kyiv, helping to shoot down Russian jet drones. According to Yuriy Cherevashchenko, deputy commander of the Air Force, their effectiveness in various directions ranges from 20% to 40%, with an average of about 28%. Such systems have already hit individual targets at distances of up to 1.4 kilometers.

More than 12 Ukrainian-made Sky Sentinel 50-caliber automated turrets have been installed in Kyiv. Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat confirmed that these systems have already been put on combat duty. According to him, there are also confirmed cases of jet drones being destroyed using these turrets.