Strengthening air defence at borders will not guarantee victory over Shaheds — military expert
Concentrating air defence systems along the state border is a logical step against Shahed-type attack drones, but it will not ensure victory in the air war, according to a serviceman known as “Flash”.
He said effective countermeasures require three elements: a dense, unified radar field along the entire border, a high saturation of interception systems including anti-aircraft drones, and a clear, coordinated target‑allocation system between air defence units.
Such an approach would allow drones to be destroyed before entering deeper airspace and reduce pressure on rear defences, but it would not be decisive, Flash warned.
He added that if Ukraine adapts successfully, Russia is likely to switch to faster, next‑generation jet-powered UAVs, provisionally referred to as “Geran‑5”. He urged work to begin now on countering drones flying at speeds above 500 km/h to avoid constantly playing catch‑up.
Meanwhile, Roman Kostenko, Secretary of Parliament’s Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence, said Ukraine must organise its defences so Shahed kamikaze drones are destroyed while crossing the state border.
