Air forces spokesman: Record number of UAVs were used against Ukraine

“In September of this year, Russia used a record number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against Ukraine, which included Iranian-made Shahed, Russian-made Lancet, and Kub UAVs. The number of attacks on Ukraine with UAVs will likely increase,” Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat told Report.

“Russia launches UAVs from different directions: Crimea, Krasnodar and Kursk-Bryansk. Therefore, it is necessary to react adequately to these threats. Of course, these UAVs need to be destroyed, and we are doing it. We should try to hit them with cheaper and more rational methods. Thus, the number of UAV attacks will increase, but we do not have many missiles. Today we have anti-aircraft missile systems such as Buk M-1 and S-300, as well as Patriot, NASAMS, etc. Anti-aircraft missile systems produced by Western countries are supplied. We are still dependent on them. Therefore, we destroy UAVs with, for example, Gepard anti-aircraft missile systems or other Soviet-era systems or new, promising means. We are trying to get both old and new anti-UAV systems. These systems should be purchased in large numbers, as their range of action is not large. It is necessary to send them to the most dangerous areas and protect the energy infrastructure, military, and strategic facilities, including the industrial and food infrastructure through these systems.

The enemy targets not only military facilities but also ports and civilian facilities. This affects not only Ukraine but also other countries that need food supplies. Of course, Russia is trying to destroy our economy in this way. Today, the level of weaponry in Ukraine is very high. Currently, no country in the world has such a variety of anti-aircraft missile complexes as Ukraine. It's just that there are not many of these systems in Ukraine now. But we are increasing these systems gradually. Of course, we are also waiting for the delivery of F-16 fighters. These warplanes will protect the airspace of our country, and through these fighters, strikes will be made against the Russian troops in the occupied territories of Ukraine,” Ihnat told Report.