Ukrainian drone units from the 55th Brigade have demonstrated a series of interceptions of russian unmanned aerial vehicles, highlighting the growing use of dedicated interceptor drones against enemy UAVs. The footage was published by Ukraine's East Operational Command on September 15.
According to the command, russian forces have begun using new modifications of the Molniya strike UAV. These drones have increasingly become targets for Ukrainian interceptor-drone crews, which are tasked with engaging hostile UAVs before they can reach their intended targets.
Read more: Ukraine Strikes $100M russian Nebo-M Radar Near Millerovo Airfield (Video)
The use of interceptor drones provides Ukraine with a relatively flexible way of countering russian UAVs. Instead of relying exclusively on traditional air defense systems, Ukrainian units can deploy smaller unmanned platforms specifically designed to locate and intercept enemy drones.
The footage also shows that the 55th Brigade has been engaging several other types of russian UAVs. Since the beginning of September, its units have reportedly destroyed five BM-35 drones, with each aircraft estimated to cost approximately $22,000.
The brigade also reported the destruction of one russian UAV identified as the Knyaz Veshchiy Oleg. Its estimated value is around $100,000.
As df previously reported, Ukrainian forces have carried out a series of long-range strikes against facilities supporting russia's war effort, including an oil refinery, a drone-production enterprise and a UAV launch site.
Read more: Ukraine Hits russian Oil, Drone and UAV Infrastructure in New Long-Range Strikes (Video)
