Ukrainian air defence downs 127 enemy drones during massive attack
Ukraine’s air defence forces demonstrated a high level of effectiveness, neutralising 127 out of 136 drones launched by Russian troops against the country from the evening of 2 March.
According to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy used a wide range of strike UAVs in an attempt to exhaust Ukraine’s air defence system.
The large-scale assault began on Monday evening from several directions: Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and temporarily occupied Crimea (Hvardiiske).
Of the drones launched, around 80 were Shahed-type attack UAVs, while the rest included Gerbera and Italmás models, as well as other types of unmanned systems.
Air defence missile units, aviation, electronic warfare (EW) units and mobile fire groups of the Defence Forces were involved in repelling the attack.
Thanks to coordinated efforts, as of 09:00 on Tuesday, 3 March, the vast majority of aerial targets had been neutralised in the north, south and east of the country.
Despite the high interception rate, five strike UAVs hit targets at three different locations. In addition, debris from downed drones fell in three areas, causing some damage.
Russian forces continue experimenting with various types of drones, combining traditional loitering munitions with cheaper decoy models to divert attention.
However, Ukrainian electronic warfare systems and specialised drone units are adapting to new threats, suppressing control signals of enemy equipment.
At the time of publication, the air attack was still ongoing, as several enemy drones remained in Ukrainian airspace.
Citizens are urged to remain in shelters until the all-clear is given and not to ignore air raid warnings.
Earlier, Russian forces attacked settlements in the Donetsk region 14 times over the past day, resulting in fatalities.
They also shelled Sumy, damaging a three-storey building.
