Some combat groups already using new Ukrainian interceptor drones against jet UAVs

“The new Ukrainian interceptors are already undergoing active testing, and some combat groups are using them in practice. Together with manufacturers, we are working to improve their effectiveness and move to mass production,” Klymenko wrote on Telegram.

He stressed that Russia is increasing the scale of its air attacks. Since Aug. 27, Kyiv alone has recorded 235 air raid alerts lasting a combined 261 hours — more than 10 full days under continuous threat.

On Sept. 17, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a positive result from tests of Ukrainian interceptors for jet-powered drones. Two days earlier, he had said a Shahed drone had been successfully hit, adding:

“The Shahed was successfully hit, but some aspects of interceptor control still need refinement. We continue the work — more time is needed.”

Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, serving as an adviser to the president on technology issues, said in an interview with Radio NV that Ukraine is testing several versions of high-speed Shahed interceptors, but more time is needed to fully refine them.

On Sept. 27, Presidential Office Head Kyrylo Budanov said Ukraine would begin mass use of interceptor drones within several months. According to him, prototypes are already being tested in combat conditions.

On Sept. 28, Zelenskyy said that during large-scale Russian drone attacks, Ukraine’s air defenses are destroying about 70% of drones overall, while the interception rate for jet-powered drones stands at 57%.