Ukraine Expands Drone Defense Plans

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country is expanding production of interceptor drones and other systems to counter Russia’s growing use of jet-powered Shahed drones and loitering munitions. In an address published Sept. 26, he said several interceptor prototypes are already being tested in combat and that some could become a primary element of Ukraine’s air defense.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence had identified Russian weapons-production plans, including projected volumes and funding for next year. He claimed Russia plans to spend $12 billion on jet-powered drones and loitering munitions alone, and said Ukraine intercepted or suppressed more than 1,500 of the 2,730 jet-powered Shaheds launched in September—an interception rate of about 55%.

The president said Ukraine aims to raise its effectiveness against the newer drones to the level achieved against conventional Shaheds, which he said exceeds 90%. He also called for stronger international cooperation, including sanctions and the proposed “Drone Deal” framework, which is intended to support joint defense systems, production and technology-sharing.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine has signed 11 Drone Deal agreements, including a deal with Finland concluded during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He said preparations were under way for a 12th agreement. Zelenskyy also accused Russia of targeting Ukrainian data centers and communications infrastructure and said the government had approved measures to protect critical digital services.