Ukrainian forces are increasingly adapting to the evolving threat posed by russian drones, learning to recognize them not just visually but also by sound and flight characteristics. According to Colonel Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communication Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, troops have developed the ability to distinguish between various types of enemy UAVs, a skill that is becoming vital as drone attacks intensify.
Speaking during a national TV broadcast, Yurii Ihnat confirmed that the number of russian drones in Ukrainian airspace has significantly increased in recent days. This includes not only attack drones like the Shahed units but also decoy UAVs, which are designed to confuse and overload Ukraine's air defense systems. The rise in such threats is forcing Ukrainian forces to remain constantly alert and respond to each potential strike.
Read more: New Video Captures the Moment Ukrainian Sting FPV Drone Intercepted and Eliminated russian Shahed UAV from Behind
Yurii Ihnat emphasized that drone decoys pose a unique challenge. While they are not always armed, they imitate the sound and flight profile of attack drones like the Shahed units. This tactic is meant to provoke defensive fire and exhaust costly air defense resources. However, with experience, Ukrainian personnel on the ground have begun to identify differences in drone behavior and sound signatures, allowing for more informed responses.
One of the key issues, Yurii Ihnat noted, is the cost associated with intercepting drones. Using expensive surface-to-air missiles against relatively cheap UAVs is unsustainable. In many cases, the drones operate at altitudes or in ways that make traditional intercepts either impractical or prohibitively expensive. Ukraine is now actively searching for alternative countermeasures.
Efforts to develop more cost-effective solutions involve both the military and political leadership. Yurii Ihnat said that the Armed Forces and the country's top defense decision-makers are jointly working on equipping Ukraine with more affordable and scalable means of drone defense. These include new technologies, localized innovation, and improved tactics.
International support remains crucial. Yurii Ihnat stressed that Ukraine continues to appeal to its partners to supply effective anti-drone systems. Given the scale and frequency of the UAV attacks, reliable and plentiful countermeasures are urgently needed to maintain resilience and minimize damage.
As Defense Express previously reported, in the early hours of Saturday, May 24, a mobile fire team from the Kyiv Police successfully shot down russian kamikaze drone targeting the capital, showcasing a remarkable feat of precision and quick response.
According to a video shared on the official Telegram channel of the National Police, officers used rifles and a flashlight to engage the UAV at one of the locations in Kyiv. Despite the simplicity of their tools and the intensity of the situation, the drone was successfully neutralized with a well-aimed shot.
Read more: Exclusive Video Footage Captures Ukrainian MiG-29 Pilot Shooting Down russian Shahed UAV Early in the Morning (Video)
