NGRNAnalysis by NGRN
For the third consecutive year, Ukraine has been confronting an unprecedented campaign of aggression by the Russian Federation. One of the central tools of this campaign has been the mass deployment of Iranian-designed, Russian-rebranded loitering munitions – Shahed-type drones (known in Russia as Geran-2 and its derivatives).
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia launched 2,736 Shahed-type drones in June 2025 alone. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the total number has surpassed 28,743. And these figures are already outdated. Each night, Russia attacks Ukrainian cities with hundreds of kamikaze drones. Ukraine’s military intelligence reports that Russia is currently producing up to 170 Shaheds and decoy drones daily, with expectations to ramp up to 190 per day by the end of the year.
The scale, affordability, and psychological effect of these drones challenge even the most advanced air defence systems. In response, Ukraine’s air defence architecture has begun a major transformation – from passive shielding to proactive disruption—through new interception strategies and emerging weapons systems.
In a recent statement, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that Russia increasingly employs combined attacks, launching Shaheds alongside ballistic and cruise missiles. The Kremlin’s strategy is clear: saturate detection and response channels to exhaust Ukrainian defences and break through at vulnerable points. In such a scenario, high-end systems like IRIS-T and NASAMS become inefficient for mass interception of low-cost targets. Ukraine must pivot towards asymmetric, cost-effective solutions to shape a next-generation air defence model.
Fortunately, many of these solutions have been debated – and some even tested – for years.
Airborne Interception: Light Attack Aircraft as Drone Hunters
One promising avenue is the use of light turboprop aircraft for aerial patrolling and drone interception. Among the frontrunners is the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, a cost-effective, long-endurance platform capable of low-speed flight. Armed with cannons and air-to-air missiles, it offers a compelling option for counter-drone patrols. Comparable platforms include Turkey’s Hürkuş, South Korea’s KT-1 Woongbi, Switzerland’s Pilatus PC-9, and the US-built T-6 Texan II.
While these aircraft face limitations – such as payload constraints and limited onboard electronics for night operations – they can be upgraded for 24/7 mission readiness with relatively modest modifications.
Rotary-Wing Response: Helicopters as Mobile Drone Killers
The use of helicopters has also emerged as an effective response to Shahed swarms. Among the most suitable is the Bell AH-1Z Viper – a versatile American attack helicopter equipped with precision-guided munitions, a 20mm cannon, and advanced targeting systems. Capable of speeds up to 350 km/h, the Viper can patrol and destroy drones at close-to-medium ranges.
The United States maintains surplus stocks of AH-1Zs, and discussions have already been initiated regarding their potential transfer to Ukraine. If a political decision is made, these helicopters could be rapidly integrated into Ukraine’s national air defence system. Additional helicopter platforms from international markets could also be adapted for this role.
AI-Powered Turrets: Low-Cost Defence of Critical Infrastructure
At the tactical edge, automated short-range systems like Sky Sentinel offer a transformative approach. This AI-guided turret autonomously detects and engages drones with heavy machine guns. Compared to missile-based systems, Sky Sentinel is vastly more cost-effective and has already demonstrated battlefield success – reportedly shooting down six drones in a single night.
Such systems are ideal for securing critical infrastructure, urban zones, and forward operating bases. With minimal human intervention and high accuracy, they offer a scalable solution to establish hardened air defence nodes across the country.
Ukrainian Innovation: Indigenous Drone Interceptors
The most ambitious and strategically significant development is the emergence of domestically produced drone-interceptors. One notable example is the Sting FPV quadcopter, designed by the “Wild Hornets” group. This agile platform reaches speeds up to 200 km/h, operates at altitudes up to 3 km, and uses artificial intelligence for target acquisition.
Combat tests have confirmed Sting’s effectiveness in intercepting Shahed drones, proving that Ukraine can develop and deploy its own advanced anti-drone systems tailored to real-time battlefield needs.
Towards a Layered Counter-Drone Architecture
These capabilities together enable Ukraine to design a layered and resilient counter-Shahed defence architecture:
- Turboprop aircraft for wide-area patrolling and long-distance interceptions.
- Attack helicopters for agile response to localized threats.
- AI-guided turrets for static infrastructure protection.
- Drone-interceptors for flexible, autonomous target elimination—both at stand-off ranges and in urban proximity.
But tools alone are not enough.
The Need for Full Integration
Ukraine must unify these assets into a single, integrated counter-drone ecosystem. This requires the establishment of a comprehensive national radar field capable of detecting low-observable threats and relaying real-time targeting data to all response platforms. Each component – sensor, shooter, and command post – must be connected through a common information and control system.
Israel’s experience provides a clear model: multi-layered integration of sensors, kinetic effectors, and command systems has allowed Israel to build one of the world’s most robust drone defence networks – designed to counter none other than the Shaheds themselves.
Strategic Coordination Is Key
Equally critical is institutional coordination. The Ukrainian Air Force and the Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Command must serve as the dual backbone of the new anti-drone structure. Joint operations, intelligence sharing, standardised procedures, and a unified tactical picture are essential. Fragmentation of command will neutralise any technological advantage.
The Time Factor: Ukraine Cannot Wait
The most acute challenge, however, is time. For months, Russia has been conducting multiple coordinated Shahed attacks weekly, each inflicting damage on critical infrastructure, civilian populations, and Ukraine’s energy sector. Delays in adapting to Russia’s evolving tactics have already proven costly. Ukraine must now compensate for lost time with accelerated deployment of integrated platforms.
A Viable Model for Drone Defence Can Include:
- Rapid scaling of drone-interceptor production, integrating them into Air Force, UAV forces, mobile fire teams, and other units. State-driven incentives are required.
- Mass deployment of AI-based turrets (like Sky Sentinel) across energy infrastructure and major urban centres.
- Procurement and adaptation of Super Tucano-type aircraft for persistent patrol and interception away from population centres.
- Engagement with the US (and NATO mechanisms) for AH-1Z Viper transfers, including training, logistics, and system integration.
- Creation of a unified AI-enabled information system, connecting all air defence components into a real-time battlefield network.
- Leadership from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Strategic Industries, ensuring top-down coordination and mass industrial mobilisation.
Ukraine Has the Foundation – Now It Needs the Drive
Ukraine possesses the industrial, technological, and operational potential to build a unique anti-drone defence system – one that not only shields the nation but sets a precedent for global partners. What’s required now is a mobilisation of political will, funding, scientific expertise, and production capacity.
Victory in this new type of war depends not only on defensive strength but on the speed of adaptation. Time already lost has come at a steep cost. Any further delay is unacceptable. The enemy has adapted. Now it’s Ukraine’s turn to act – with determination, speed, and strategic clarity.