Ukraine has begun forming a new branch within its Air Force: units focused on unmanned air defense systems. This initiative is intended to support a more flexible, layered approach to airspace defense, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
The new units are designed to complement the capabilities of tactical aviation and surface-to-air missile forces, while enhancing protection for rear-area assets such as towns, critical infrastructure, and key communication lines. The structure is already taking shape, with command elements being established and combat units being deployed. These units will be equipped with specialized interceptor drones intended to counter long-range enemy UAV systems like the Shahed drones.
“We are already using them, increasing the number of radar stations, growing our personnel, and conducting personnel training. This process is underway, so to speak,” Oleksandr Syrskyi said.
Command-level assessments indicate that both domestically produced and imported counter‑UAV drones have shown strong performance against Shahed-type loitering munitions, with reported hit rates above 70%. Those results support treating unmanned interceptors as a practical component of layered air defence in selected sectors.
The defence architecture is being implemented in tiers. Initial interception positions are being established close to the front line – where long‑range hostile UAVs first enter contested airspace – so that most threats can be engaged early and the risk to rear-area infrastructure and population centres is reduced.
Compact, tactical 3‑coordinate radars remain a key element of the unmanned air‑defense concept. Their light weight and mobility mean they can be moved by small teams and concealed in terrain, making them well suited for field deployment. Deployed with vehicle transport, these radars let small mobile groups establish an independent detection‑to‑engagement chain across open areas, shortening the time from target acquisition to weapons employment.
Commander‑in‑Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has previously warned that a shortage of tactical radars is a bottleneck for expanding drone‑based air‑defense units – current stocks are limited to single digits where the requirement is measured in the hundreds.
Recent reporting indicates a UK–Ukraine partnership to co-develop and produce modern military equipment. The initial outcome of that collaboration is an interceptor drone intended for air‑defence use, developed in Ukraine with input from British scientists and engineers. Plans for serial production in the UK aim to deliver equipment at a scale – potentially hundreds to thousands of units per month – that would enable steady transfers to Ukrainian forces, if realised.
Read also:
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Source: militarnyi
