Anti-Aircraft Drones More Effective at Shooting Down Shahed Drones on Front Lines Than Over Cities

The Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a study on the effectiveness of point air defense (defense of a specific facility) using interceptor drones.

This was discussed in an interview with Militarnyi by Vasyl Dubovyi, head of the analytical division at Group 12, and Roman Krasovskyi, head of research in the division. The study showed the low effectiveness of this approach in repelling enemy drone attacks.

“We actually found no evidence to support this; that is, an interceptor UAV is, after all, a means for specific lines and echelons,” Krasovskyi said.

According to him, interceptors performed best near the front lines.

“It works most effectively precisely near and within the front line, as we say: the first line, the second line. Because it is precisely in this zone that the Shahed drones are on their flight paths and are more vulnerable than when they are in a ‘dive’ and attacking a specific target,” he added.

There is also a concentration of tactical radars along the front line, which simplifies the detection of enemy drones.

“In transit areas (the front line or the line of contact), speed and trajectory are more predictable than in areas near targets where fire damage is to be inflicted, because there are changes in altitude and speed,” said Vasyl Dubovyi.