Russia dramatically increased its use of jet-powered Shahed drones against Ukraine, with usage jumping eightfold from 350 drones in June 2026 to significantly higher numbers by late September. The escalation is straining Ukraine's air defence systems, particularly affecting portable air defence units.
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Jet-powered Russian drones strain Ukraine's air defences Reuters
KYIV, Sept 22 - Vasyl, a portable rocket operator in one of Ukraine's many mobile air defence groups, was dismayed when he checked his screen. The Russian jet-powered Shahed drone moving towards his position was flying far too high for him to shoot it down.
www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/4... Russia is rapidly increasing its use of jet-powered drones for attacks on Ukraine. While Russian forces used 350 such UAVs in June, the figure rose to 2,850 in August. — Ukrinform.