Russia steps up use of jet-powered drones beyond reach of interceptor drones

Russia is increasingly using jet-powered drones in its attacks, taking into account that missiles used by Ukraine's air defences to intercept them are in limited supply.

Source: Air Force spokesperson Colonel Yurii Ihnat on air with Channel 5

Details: According to Ihnat, Russia is now deploying jet-powered drones virtually around the clock alongside other kamikaze drones.

Meanwhile, he said Ukraine's interception rate remains high – above 90% – despite Russia's growing use of jet-powered drones, which differ from conventional Shahed drones with internal combustion engines and can reach speeds of up to 500 km/h.

Quote: "These drones are no longer within the reach of interceptor drones, whose speed is up to 300 km/h. That means mobile fire groups and anti-drone interceptors can no longer be relied upon. Missiles have to be used, and that is what the Air Force and other units of the defence forces are doing."

Background:

• On the night of 1-2 July, the Russians carried out a massive combined attack on Ukraine. Air defence destroyed 524 Russian targets out of 570 launched; however, 25 ballistic missiles and 12 Russian strike drones hit their targets.
• As a result of the Russian strike on Kyiv on the night of 1-2 July, 13 people were killed, and 86 others were injured; 7 people were rescued alive from under the rubble.

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