Zelensky: Ukraine increases interception of jet drones thanks to F-16s, turrets and missiles

Aviation becomes a key tool in countering UAVs

Ukrainian aviation is demonstrating high effectiveness in destroying the enemy's jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, at this point, shootdowns of jet Shaheds by fighter jets account for 50–60% of all shootdowns. The supply of ammunition for F-16 fighter jets is ongoing, specifically 20mm calibre rounds.

In his audio comment to journalists, the head of state noted that the supply of necessary ammunition for foreign fighter jets has intensified. "Зараз ми отримуємо відповідну кількість, і вона дуже, дуже непогана. Ми отримали додаткові контракти, і додаткові підтвердження від партнерів. Амуніція має приходити для F-16" (We are now receiving the appropriate quantity, and it is very, very good. We have received additional contracts, and additional confirmations from partners. Ammunition is to arrive for the F-16s), he emphasised.

Expanding the arsenal of air defence means

In addition to aviation, Ukraine is actively implementing alternative methods for intercepting targets. The President reported on the availability of several solutions related to the use of cheap missiles to destroy jet drones. The country has its own production of such missiles, while other latest developments from partners are expected to appear on the country's territory in the near future.

An additional protection tool is gun turrets. According to data released by Zelensky, dozens of enemy devices have already been destroyed with their help.

Negotiations on anti-missile defense systems

A separate area of cooperation with international partners remains the issue of supplying missiles for anti-missile defense systems. Specifically, discussions are underway regarding the provision of PAC-2 and PAC-3 type missiles, designed for intercepting ballistic targets.

"Вони знають, що нам потрібна їхня підтримка" (They know that we need their support), said Volodymyr Zelensky, commenting on the dialogue with European countries. He emphasised that the current level of support for Ukraine from Europe is the highest throughout the entire period of the conflict.

Prospects for the "Freya" project and contracts with Germany

Regarding long-term plans, the President noted that a contract with Germany for the supply of missiles for Patriot systems is envisaged for next year and 2028. In parallel, the launch of its own European-Ukrainian project "Freya" is expected. Ukraine has already completed its part of the work, but the further development of the system largely depends on France, Germany, Denmark and Norway.

Zelensky reminded that the creation of complex anti-ballistic systems is a long process, which usually takes decades.