The construction of a multi-level system for intercepting Shahid-type drones using unmanned aerial vehicles was announced on Tuesday by the Supreme Commander of the Ukrainian Army, Oleksandr Syrskiy.
According to him Russia has not given up its goal of occupying Ukrainian territoryand continues to try to plunge cities and villages into darkness with massive air attacks.
“The enemy is taking advantage of weather conditions, modernizing its combat drones and changing tactics. It is attacking at very low altitudes,” he said on Telegram. “We are therefore modernizing our countermeasures and adapting the system to achieve the best possible results.”
Syrski emphasized that the key task of the Ukrainian defense forces at this stage is to destroy Russian air attack means that are used on a daily basis. He added that the actual military results form the basis of effective diplomacy.
According to Syrski, the priority remains to strengthen the direction of intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles, including increasing the number of intercepting drones, ground control stations and radars, as well as expanding both the scope and quality of crew training.
He added that as part of the multi-level air defense system, interception lines are already being created at some distance from large cities.
“Although the use of intercepting drones and their effectiveness are gradually increasing, the pace of work must be accelerated,” Syrski emphasized.
He also announced the creation of unmanned air defense divisions and regular drone intercept units in training centers. To counter Shahid-type drones, the military is also using military aviation, with the support of international partners.
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At the end of October, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Shahid-type kamikaze drones had in some cases become greater threat than ballistic missileswhich prompted Ukraine to accelerate the production of interceptor drones.
“Shahids are now more dangerous than ballistic missiles in some places,” Zelensky said, adding that while Patriot systems can intercept ballistic missiles, countering mass drone attacks requires a wider range of tools.
Up to 800 drones in one night
To counter this threat, Ukraine is using interceptor drones, F-16 fighters and helicopters, although, as Zelensky noted, weather conditions affect their effectiveness. He added that work is already underway on more advanced intercepting drones with self-guidance systems.
A damaged residential building after an attack by the Russian Shahid drone in one of the residential districts of Kiev, December 23, 2025.Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images
— In November, we will achieve production of 500 to 800 intercepting drones per day, said the Ukrainian president, drawing attention to the need to quickly train operators and expand mobile fire groups protecting critical infrastructure.
In September, former Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Russia already launches up to 800 drones in one night during major attacks, forcing Ukraine to increase its air defense capabilities.
According to Szmyhal Drone production itself is not the main challenge. The key hurdles lie in the deployment of AI-based ground control systems, radars and targeting components.
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