The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has reported a significant surge in Russian drone attacks using the Shahed UAVs in September 2024. '
Intercepted 1,107 Drones
According to their statement, Russia launched a record 1,339 Shahed drones over Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces successfully intercepting 1,107 of them. Remarkably, there wasn't a single day in September without a drone attack from Russia, indicating a relentless campaign against Ukrainian defenses, according to WP.
The drones involved in these attacks include the Shahed-136 and Shahed-131, both of which have been utilized since the onset of the war.
These UAVs are supplied to Russia by Iran and, despite their relatively simple designs, they pose a significant challenge for Ukraine. The frequency of these attacks has been exacerbated by Ukraine's limited air defense systems, making it difficult to counter the onslaught effectively.
The Shahed-136 measures approximately 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) in length and can reach speeds of 115 mph (185 km/h), carrying a warhead weighing around 88 pounds (40 kg).
The smaller Shahed-131 can carry a lighter payload of 22-33 pounds (10-15 kg). Both drones are inexpensive to produce, making them difficult to eliminate using advanced air defense systems, prompting Ukraine to seek alternative countermeasures.
To combat the Iranian drones, Ukraine has deployed various systems, including the VAMPIR missile systems and German-made Gepard anti-aircraft systems. Military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko has noted that the VAMPIR systems are particularly effective in neutralizing drones.
In a concerning development, some Shahed drones have been repainted black to evade detection at night, while others have been equipped with advanced technologies, including 4G modems and even Starlink satellite communication systems from SpaceX.
