In September, Russia deployed nearly 3,500 jet-powered drones against Ukraine, according to Ignat
Russia is significantly increasing its use of jet-powered drones in attacks on Ukraine. While the occupiers used about 350 such drones in June, that number rose to approximately 3,500 in September.
According to Yuriy Ignat, statistics from recent months indicate a significant increase in the number of jet-powered drones that Russia is using in its attacks on Ukraine.
“The statistics show that (the Russians) are ramping up (the use of jet-powered UAVs—ed.), because in June there were 350 jet-powered UAVs, in July—1,500, in August—2,800, and in September—3,500 [jet-powered UAVs],” Ignat said.
Thus, over four months, the number of jet-powered drones used by Russia increased approximately tenfold—from 350 in June to 3,500 in September.
At the same time, a certain decrease in the intensity of such weapon use has been observed in October.
“The enemy deploys 50 per night; during the day, it may be 30,” noted the Air Force spokesperson.
Yuriy Ignat emphasized that jet-powered UAVs are more challenging targets for Ukrainian air defense than conventional attack drones.
In terms of their characteristics, Russian jet-powered drones and the so-called “banderole” drones are similar to cruise missiles. Because of this, conventional weapons used to combat “shahids” may be less effective against such targets.
That is why, according to the spokesperson, Ukraine needs new air defense systems capable of more effectively intercepting jet-powered drones.
Yuriy Ignat noted that solving the problem requires a comprehensive approach and the use of new technologies.
“Innovative solutions from our defense industry, our military leadership, and our political leadership—in collaboration with our partners—will help us solve this problem,” the spokesperson stated.
Russia continues to increase its use of jet-powered UAVs, which places an additional strain on Ukraine’s air defense system and necessitates the development of new means to intercept them.
This was reported by Yuriy Ignat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, during a television broadcast.
The automated turrets used in Ukraine’s air defense system shoot down only a portion of the jet-powered “suicide drones.” The primary success in combating such drones comes from the integrated use of various air defense systems.
More than 12 Ukrainian-made Sky Sentinel 50-caliber automatic 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.
