In May, Ukrainian air defenses shot down more than 90% of aerial targets during massive attacks
In May 2026, Ukraine’s air defense demonstrated greater effectiveness in intercepting aerial targets, despite a significant increase in the intensity of Russian attacks.
At the same time, Ukraine critically needs additional ammunition for its Patriot systems to defend against ballistic missiles.
According to the agency, Russian forces launched 8,351 airstrikes in May, compared to approximately 6,700 in April.
The majority of the attacks were carried out by strike drones. Of the 8,150 drones of the “Shahed,” “Gerbera,” and “Italmas” types, Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed 7,476, accounting for 91.73% of the total.
Also, over the course of the month, the enemy launched 211 cruise and ballistic missiles, of which 112 were intercepted, or over 53%.
Overall, the interception rate of aerial targets during massive strikes in May reached 90.75%.
Among the missiles destroyed by Ukrainian air defenders were:
- 2 Kh-47M2 “Kinzhal” aeroballistic missiles;
- 50 Kh-101 cruise missiles;
- 10 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles;
- 11 Kalibr cruise missiles;
- 14 X-59/69 guided air-to-ground missiles;
- 24 Iskander-K cruise missiles.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that despite the high performance of the air defense system, Ukraine needs additional capabilities to counter ballistic missiles.
“But under conditions of record-breaking operational loads, missiles capable of shooting down ballistic missiles are critically needed. Therefore, Ukraine is counting on the support of its partners in procuring PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot air defense systems, which are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles,” the ministry noted.
Ukrainian authorities continue to urge international partners to strengthen the country’s air defense, in particular by supplying PAC-3 missiles, which are one of the most effective means of protection against modern ballistic threats.
This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Ukraine has formally requested that the German government urgently transfer dozens of additional interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems from the Bundeswehr’s existing defense stockpiles as early as this year.
Journalists at The Guardian report that the global shortage of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems creates additional opportunities for Russia to intensify air attacks on Ukraine. Analysts warn that the shortage of these munitions could persist for several more years and affect not only Ukraine but also the security of U.S. allies.
Testing of the new European air defense system Freya, which is touted as a more affordable alternative to the American Patriot system, may begin in Ukraine in the near future.
