Kiev [Ukraine], September 30: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine expects to improve its defences against Russian jet-powered drones after struggling to intercept the fast, high-flying weapons.
"Ukrainian interceptors are already being used in combat," Zelensky said in a video address on Tuesday evening. The interception rate was "not sufficient," he acknowledged, but said it should improve each week as production increases.
Concrete production targets to counter Russia's jet-powered capabilities have been set for October, Zelensky said, calling the effort a "strategic task." Of 29 Russian jet-powered drones launched by Tuesday evening, 18 had been intercepted, according to Zelensky.
The drones are currently being shot down by Ukrainian fighter jets, he said.
Zelensky also said Belgium had pledged to deliver three F-16 fighter jets by the end of the year. Ukraine has faced repeated attacks by jet-powered drones in recent weeks, particularly in the capital Kiev. Several drones struck targets in the usually well-protected city centre on Monday.
Source: Qatar Tribune
