Ukraine has developed Bars interceptor drones capable of destroying jet-powered Shahed UAVs, with one combat unit achieving a 100% interception rate during operational testing. Production of the interceptors is now being scaled up, Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara announced during a press briefing.
"The effectiveness of countering conventional Shahed drones already exceeds 90%. The challenge now is jet-powered UAVs, which require higher interception speeds. Ukraine has already achieved successful results using interceptor drones against jet-powered UAVs. During combat operations, one unit used five Bars interceptors to destroy five aerial targets, achieving a 100% success rate," Khmara said.
According to the minister, the experience is now being studied and expanded, with additional specialists and military units involved.
He emphasised that the main priority is to increase the overall interception rate against jet-powered drones and rapidly scale up solutions that have demonstrated effectiveness in combat.
Khmara also reported that Ukraine is already deploying hundreds of large-calibre gun turrets against jet-powered UAVs.
"We are already seeing results from the use of large-calibre turrets against jet-powered UAVs. We now have hundreds of these systems in service. This capability is being expanded, while longer-range systems are also under development," he said.
The minister added that surface-to-air missile systems and man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) are also proving effective.
"We are focusing on purchasing both the systems themselves and missiles for them, and we are discussing this with partners in various countries," Khmara noted.
Ukraine is also working to develop countermeasures against the next generation of aerial threats.
"We are also seeking solutions to counter the next generation of threats. Manufacturers and defence industry companies have been tasked with submitting proposals and prototypes," the minister said.
