In August, 10 interceptions were recorded; since the beginning of September, the number has already reached 16.
This increase is the result of new technologies, experience sharing, and training.
Recently, within the defensive zone of the 7th Air Assault Corps, Ukrainian forces began using specialized domestically produced interceptor drones. This made it possible to shoot down 9 Shahed drones out of 16 in September.
For a long time, Shahed drones primarily flew at low altitudes—up to 1 km—where they were successfully destroyed by mobile fire teams. Over time, however, enemy kamikaze drones began attempting to cross the defensive line at altitudes of 2–3 km, making them increasingly difficult for mobile fire teams to engage. Such targets often had to be allowed through to be engaged by object-based air defense systems.
Now, thanks to new interceptor drones and improved training, Ukrainian forces are destroying Shaheds as they cross the frontline.
Interceptor drones can reach speeds of over 300 km/h and climb to altitudes of several kilometers. Currently, operators control the drones using VR goggles, with plans to integrate artificial intelligence in the future for automatic target acquisition.
