Key facts
- Ukrainian air defense units are adapting to Russia's use of jet-powered drones.
- Mobile fire groups use machine guns and thermal imaging to intercept drones.
- Electronic warfare is used to jam drone signals or spoof navigation data.
Ukrainian air defense crews are working to intercept an increasing number of Russian jet-powered drones targeting Kyiv and the surrounding region. These drones, some capable of flying at approximately 600 kilometers per hour, present a significant challenge compared to slower, propeller-driven models. The defense relies on a multi-layered system, including radar detection, mobile machine-gun units, shoulder-fired missiles, interceptor drones, and electronic warfare to disrupt drone communications and navigation.