Ukraine's air defence destroys over 80% of Russian jet drones for the first time

The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has recorded a historic benchmark in the effectiveness of counter-drone operations. According to data for 30 September, the Ukrainian air defence system destroyed over 80% of Russian jet drones for the first time. Previously, this figure rarely exceeded 40–50%.

Statistics of the 30 September attack

According to official data, during the day on 30 September (from 6:30 to 18:30), the enemy attacked Ukrainian territory with 285 strike UAVs. Of these, 174 were jet-powered, while the rest were "Gerber" drones and other modifications.

«Впродовж дня 30 вересня (з 6:30 до 18:30) противник атакував Україну 285 ударними БПЛА (174 з них — реактивні), «Герберами» та дронами інших типів» (During the day on 30 September (from 6:30 to 18:30), the enemy attacked Ukraine with 285 strike UAVs (174 of which were jet-powered), "Gerbers" and drones of other types), the Air Force reported.

Preliminary estimates indicate that air defence systems shot down or suppressed 254 drones, of which 146 belonged to the jet category. This indicates a significant improvement in the quality of airspace protection.

Missile fire in the east

In addition to the massive drone attack, the use of other types of weapons was recorded in the eastern direction. The enemy struck with a ballistic missile and several "Bandierol" or "Danel-T" missiles. Details of this incident are being clarified.

«Крім того, на східному напрямку ворог наніс удар баллістичною ракетою та кількома «Бандероль»/«Дань-Т». Інформація уточнюється» (In addition, in the eastern direction, the enemy struck with a ballistic missile and several "Bandierol"/"Danel-T". Information is being clarified), the Air Force command added.

New enemy tactics

Earlier, Serhiy (Flash) Beskrestnov, Ukraine's Presidential Adviser on the development of defence technology sectors, stated that on 30 September, Russian forces used a jet drone with a special shaped-charge warhead for the first time.

According to him, this was likely done to target high-voltage power line pylons and railway bridges.

Media also report that Russia is stockpiling weapons to intensify shelling of Ukrainian territory in late autumn and winter. Specifically, in September, production of "Geran-4" drones reached 1,200 units, and "Geran-5" — 800. These volumes are expected to increase monthly.