Interceptor drones show good results, but it's too early for systematic approach – Unmanned Systems Forces

Mobile fire groups (MFGs) are still relevant, but in the context of Russia's massive mixed attacks, interceptor drones are still more effective. This was stated by Vitaly (Bravo), Head of the Communications Department of the Unmanned Systems Command, in a commentary to LIGA.net.

According to him, the effectiveness of the military's counteraction to enemy drones during massive shelling is declining. At the same time, some units working with interceptor drones demonstrate a high shot down rate.

"However, it is too early to talk about systemic efficiency, because we need to scale the solution first," Bravo said .

In addition, interceptor drones can become an affordable alternative to anti-aircraft missile systems in the fight against high-speed UAVs, such as the Shahed jet.

But this is possible only if the positions are echeloned and a large number of crews are trained, Bravo says.

When asked how long it would take Ukraine to increase the number of such sky protection elements to the required level, the representative of the SBS said that everything would depend on funding.

"There is political will and support from most parts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense, there is interception technology, there is a scaling plan and an understanding of how to do it, but this is not enough without funding to purchase interceptors and radar systems in large quantities," he said.

• In June, Armed Forces chief Syrskyi reported that the efficiency of Shahed interceptor drones was 70% – almost twice as high as that of mobile fire groups. At the same time, the latter are still relevant, and the interceptors lack radar, he noted.
• According to President Zelensky, the potential of the Ukrainian defense industry exceeds $40 billion, but lacks funding. He called on allies to invest.