Over 70% of Shahed drones destroyed in Kyiv thanks to interceptor UAVs — Syrskyi
In February, more than 70% of Russian Shahed-type strike drones in Kyiv and its outskirts were destroyed by interceptor drones.
This was reported on Facebook by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi.
“The key role in this countermeasure is shifting to interceptor UAVs. For example, in Kyiv and its surrounding areas during February, the share of such interceptor drones in destroying Shaheds exceeded 70%,” Syrskyi stated.
He added that despite difficult weather conditions and a shortage of certain air defence assets, the effectiveness of so-called “small air defence” has been maintained. Over the past month, Ukrainian interceptor drones carried out around 6,300 sorties and destroyed more than 1,500 Russian unmanned aerial vehicles of various types.
The Commander-in-Chief emphasised that projects aimed at strengthening anti-drone protection and countering Shahed drones remain under close supervision. Discussions are ongoing regarding the upgrading of army aviation helicopters, the formation and training of interceptor UAV crews, and the staffing of air defence units equipped with unmanned systems.
“Over the past year, significant work has been carried out in this area, but we must intensify our efforts and accelerate the pace. Above all, this concerns the protection of peaceful Ukrainian cities and towns, as well as our energy sector and other rear infrastructure,” Syrskyi concluded.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that Ukraine could face difficulties in obtaining missiles for air defence systems due to hostilities in the Middle East.
Zelensky also held talks with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Key topics included air defence missile supplies, the frontline situation, prospects for peace negotiations, and the chancellor’s visit to China.
