The defense forces are destroying about 40% of all air targets with interceptor drones. This statistic will increase as the weather improves.
This was reported to Suspilny by Yuriy Cherevashenko, deputy commander of the direct air cover forces of the Air Force.
“Last year we had a slightly higher share of participation (of interceptors – ed.). Now this statistic continues to grow again, because the weather is stabilizing. We have also optimized the radar field, which improves the work of the UAV interceptor crews,” he said.
So-called universal crews can operate different models and types of interceptors, while less experienced ones use the UAV model they have mastered. The infrastructure for them, says Cherevashenko, is the same, with the exception of jet drones.
“We mainly use multirotor-type UAV interceptors. But fixed-wing is also gaining popularity. Depending on the circumstances, the speed of the air target, or the conditions of its use, either one UAV interceptor or another is used,” the military man noted.
According to him, the Russians have begun to prepare air attacks more carefully. In particular, they are tracking drone losses, intensifying attacks, and increasing the number of aircraft.
“This complicates the work of the crews and requires an increase in their number,” Cherevashenko added.
In addition, the Russians are modifying and improving Shahed/Geran and Gerbera drones.
“Our crews destroyed aircraft equipped with motion, sound, and light sensors. When a spotlight is pointed at them or they sense excessive noise, they begin pseudo-maneuvering. Also, interceptor UAVs enter air battles, which has not happened before. That is, the counteraction is carried out by manually controlled UAVs,” said the deputy commander.
The interceptors have been integrated into a unified air defense system under the leadership of regional commands and tactical groups. The work of the interceptor crews is coordinated with other components of the state's air defense system: manned aviation and ground-based anti-aircraft systems.
In March 2026, the newly created Unmanned Air Defense Systems Command was reformed into the Direct Air Cover Forces Command.
“We came to the conclusion that it is necessary to unite “small air defense” means to more effectively counter unmanned aerial vehicles according to a single idea and a single plan,” Cherevashenko noted.
Interceptors have taken an intermediate position in echeloned defense: drones are used when it is impractical to expensively raise aircraft, but mobile fire groups cannot physically reach the target.
“To increase the share of UAV interceptors in destroying air targets, one of the ways is to scale up and improve. New types of drones, drones that can carry other drones that can stay in the air for a long time, as well as the development of anti-aircraft drone complexes,” he said.
According to Yuriy Cherevashenka, the government has expanded opportunities for involving civilians in the fight against drones. This includes the so-called private air defense for business, the work of the DFTG, and the recruitment of young people into UAV interceptor units on a territorial basis.
In February of this year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian air defenses shoot down 90% of Russian attack drones, with which the Russian army regularly attacks Ukraine.