Ukraine Faces Urgent Need for Drone Interceptors Amid Ongoing Attacks
With thousands of “Shahed” drones launched daily against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has identified interceptor drones as the most cost-effective means to counter these threats. However, a significant financial shortfall hampers the mass production necessary to neutralize the scale of attacks, reports 24brussels.
Zelensky emphasized that interceptor drones currently achieve approximately 68% effectiveness in destroying “Shahed” drones, highlighting their potential for increased efficiency. The president noted that the cost of a single interceptor drone ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, while each “Shahed” drone costs between $100,000 and $150,000. He specified that two or three interceptors are needed to take down one target, presenting a compelling case for their deployment. Yet, to meet frontline demands, thousands of interceptors are required, a need that remains unfunded.
“If each day sees five to six hundred ‘Shahed’ drones, we require about a thousand interceptors,” Zelensky stated. “Currently, we lack the resources to incentivize private companies to ramp up production.” He described the issue of funding as “a real problem,” while assuring that Ukraine is actively seeking solutions.
As Russia plans to launch up to a thousand strikes per day, Ukraine continues to rely heavily on support from its partners to bolster its defensive capabilities.
The promise of a “drone shield” raises questions about its feasibility and cost-effectiveness, both critical in the ongoing conflict.
