Key facts
- Ukrainian warplanes down 55-60% of Russian jet-powered drones.
- Ukraine is seeking additional F-16 ammunition and European air defense systems.
- Starlink restrictions are limiting Ukraine's interceptor drones.
- Ukraine is producing anti-drone turrets and deploying new missiles.
Ukrainian warplanes are responsible for downing approximately 55% to 60% of all jet-powered drones launched by Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on October 17. Zelensky noted that efforts are underway to increase the supply of 20 mm rounds for Ukraine's F-16 fleet, with contracts and assurances secured from partners for additional ammunition. The president added that Ukraine is deploying new, domestically produced and partner-supplied missiles to counter Russian drones and is scaling up production of anti-drone turrets. However, Ukrainian interceptor drones are currently constrained by Starlink restrictions. Zelensky also highlighted that anti-ballistic missile defenses remain a critical gap, discussing potential European air defense packages, including Patriot missiles, during talks at the EU summit in Brussels.