Ukrainian air defences destroyed more than 4,700 drones and missiles while repelling large-scale Russian attacks in September 2026.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, more than 48,000 tactical-level UAVs were also neutralised during the month.
Ukrainian air defence results in September
Throughout September 2026, Ukrainian air defence forces intercepted:
- 24 Kh-101 cruise missiles;
- 8 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles;
- 12 Kalibr cruise missiles;
- 6 Kh-59/69 guided air-launched missiles;
- 6 Iskander-K cruise missiles;
- 8 Zircon anti-ship missiles;
- 86 S8000 Banderolet drones;
- 2,722 Shahed-131/136 attack drones;
- 1,935 Shahed-238 attack drones;
- 1,009 reconnaissance UAVs;
- 719 Lancet drones.
Russian aerial targets were destroyed by Ukrainian aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defence Forces.
Ballistic missiles remain a major challenge for Ukraine's air defence system. At the same time, Russian forces are increasingly deploying jet-powered drones capable of flying at approximately 400 km/h, reducing the time available for detection and interception.
Russia is also launching small groups of jet-powered drones towards different regions of Ukraine. To counter these threats, Ukraine is deploying aircraft and developing innovative interception systems.
Ukraine's Ministry of Defence continues working to strengthen the country's air defences.
During a recent conversation with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara emphasised that the supply of ammunition for F-16 fighter jets was contributing to the high effectiveness of Ukraine's efforts to intercept Russian drones.
