Ukraine is neutralising about 55% of the jet-powered Shahed-type drones launched by Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address on September 26, 2026.
September figures
Russia launched more than 2,730 jet-powered Shaheds in September. More than 1,500 were intercepted or electronically suppressed since the start of the month.
For conventional propeller-driven Shaheds, the interception rate exceeds 90%, and Zelenskyy aims to bring defences against the jet versions to a similar level.
New interceptors
Ukraine has developed several prototype interceptors for the faster drones. Some are already in combat use, several have been selected as potential primary defensive tools, and production is being expanded.
Russia’s $12 billion plan
Ukrainian military intelligence obtained internal Russian documents on weapons production for 2027. According to them, Russia plans to spend about $12 billion next year on jet-powered drones and loitering munitions alone.
Why speed matters
Jet-powered drones fly faster than propeller models, leaving air defences less time to detect and intercept them.
Sources
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