Ukrainian air defense intercepted more than 4,700 air targets in September
In September, Ukraine’s air defense destroyed more than 4,700 drones and missiles while repelling large-scale enemy attacks.
According to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, more than 48,000 tactical-level unmanned aerial vehicles were also neutralized over the past month.
How Ukraine’s air defense performed in September
In September 2026, Ukraine’s air defense forces intercepted:
- 24 Kh-101 cruise missiles;
- 8 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles;
- 12 Kalibr cruise missiles;
- 6 Kh-59/69 guided air-launched missiles;
- 6 Iskander-K cruise missiles;
- 8 Zircon anti-ship missiles;
- 86 S8000 Banderol;
- 2,722 Shahed-131/136 attack UAVs;
- 1,935 Shahed-238 attack UAVs;
- 1,009 reconnaissance UAVs;
- 719 Lancet UAVs.
Enemy air targets were destroyed through the efforts of aviation, surface-to-air missile forces, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defence Forces of Ukraine.
The enemy is increasing its use of jet-powered drones
Ballistic missiles remain a challenge for Ukraine’s air defense. At the same time, the enemy is increasingly using jet-powered drones that fly at speeds of around 400 km/h, reducing the time available to detect and intercept them.
In addition, the enemy sends small groups of several jet-powered drones to different regions. To counter such targets, Ukraine uses aviation, among other means, and is developing innovative interception capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is consistently working to strengthen air defense. Recently, in a conversation with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence of Ukraine Evgeniy Khmara emphasized that deliveries of munitions for F-16 aircraft help ensure their high effectiveness in shooting down russian drones.
The parties also discussed key requirements for protecting critical infrastructure. It remains important to increase deliveries of air defense assets, including interceptors for IRIS-T systems.
