Private air defence group downs Shahed drone at over 400 km/h for first time – Ukrainian defence minister

A private air defence group has for the first time shot down a jet-powered Shahed-type drone at a speed of over 400 km/h in Kharkiv Oblast.

Source: Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov

Quote: "A private air defence unit has for the first time downed a jet-powered Shahed at speeds of 400+ km/h."

Details: Fedorov noted that private air defence groups in Kharkiv Oblast are actively intercepting Shahed-type drones and described this as "a new level of complexity".

"The enemy is scaling up the use of jet-powered drones – faster and harder to intercept. On the president's instruction, we are systematically building a multi-layered air defence system and strengthening protection of the sky," he added.

Private air defence groups are one element of this system, helping protect critical infrastructure.

"The goal of the project is to rapidly scale capabilities without placing additional strain on combat units," Fedorov said.

According to the minister, such groups are currently being formed at 19 companies. They are integrated into the unified command system of the Air Force and operate as part of the overall air defence architecture.

He added that the next stage will involve scaling up the project to increase the number of intercepted targets and improve response speed.

Background: In late March, Fedorov said a government pilot project involving the private sector in air defence was already being implemented and delivering initial results.

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