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Ukraine aims to produce up to 400 interceptor drones as Russian jet-powered drone use grows, Zelensky says
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- Ukraine plans to produce up to 400 high-speed interceptor drones by the end of October to counter Russia's increasing use of jet-powered attack drones, which are harder to shoot down.
- Russia has launched around 500 drones in a single day recently, with about half being jet-powered Shahed-type drones; Ukraine currently intercepts only 57% of these, a rate deemed insufficient by President Zelensky.
- Development of Ukraine's interceptor drones is hindered by a shortage of engines, as most are imported and domestic production is inadequate.
- Russia's jet-powered drones have targeted civilian infrastructure, including supermarkets, schools, and medical facilities, with attacks intensifying in recent weeks, particularly around Kyiv.
- Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets, received in summer 2024 and used for both defense and offense, are partially unavailable due to maintenance in Europe, prompting Kyiv to seek local maintenance solutions to improve readiness amid budget constraints.
