Ukraine downs more than 10,000 Russian drones in February

According to the ministry, interceptor drones were used to shoot down over 10,000 fixed-wing UAVs, including Shahed- and Gerbera-type drones.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on March 15 that Ukraine is working to strengthen its air defense capabilities, including plans to launch domestic production of its own air defense systems.

A previous report by Politico, citing 10 senior European officials and two lawmakers, said the war involving Iran is consuming expensive U.S. air defense munitions needed by Ukraine. The report warned this could affect future deliveries and Kyiv’s ability to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks.

Zelenskyy also said Ukraine plans to test the SAMP/T air defense system in 2026 to counter ballistic threats. The system is currently considered the only European alternative for intercepting such missiles.

On Jan. 20, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said tens of thousands of interceptor drones would be delivered to Ukrainian forces by the end of the month.