Copyright kyivpost
Shahed-type kamikaze drones have become more dangerous than ballistic missiles in some cases, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a meeting with journalists on Oct. 27. Zelensky said Ukraine is intensifying production of more advanced interceptor drones to counter the threat. “Shaheds are now, in some places, more dangerous than ballistic missiles,” Zelensky said, as per RBC Ukraine. “We shoot down ballistic missiles, at least where we have the Patriot systems. But to shoot down such a large number of Shaheds flying at that altitude, we have to use everything,” he added. Zelensky said the Ukrainian military is using interceptor drones, F-16s and helicopters to combat Russia’s drone assaults, though he noted that weather conditions play a major role in determining effectiveness. “In freezing conditions, we’ll see how we can use helicopters,” Zelensky added. “Interceptors also vary, some are already advanced, with self-guided systems and other features. We’re moving toward that. In November, we’ll reach production of 500 to 800 interceptors per day.” Zelensky said operators now need to be trained on how to use interceptors. “Many mobile fire groups are already deployed to protect critical sites. Now we need a large number of operators to work with interceptors, and at the same time, we must respond to Russian attacks with long-range weapons,” he said. Zelensky’s comments come as Russia continues to rely heavily on Shahed drones to strike Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Last month, speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal said Russia already launches about 800 drones in a single night during major attacks, forcing Ukraine to scale up its capabilities. “This level will be achieved. I cannot disclose the current number, but in the near future this target will be implemented,” he said. Shmyhal said drone production is not the challenge. The real obstacle, he said, lies in the deployment of ground-based control systems, radar and artificial intelligence-powered targeting components. “This is a large system, and its implementation takes some time. But we are moving toward this goal confidently, according to plan,” he added. Shmyhal said the UK will produce interceptor drones for Ukraine under an expanded agreement.
