Syrsky: Mobile Air Defense Teams Intercept 40% of Targets

Mobile air defense teams tasked with intercepting enemy drones are currently achieving a 40% effectiveness rate, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky.

Syrsky shared the figure during a media meeting that Militarnyi’s reporter attended.

This effectiveness rate primarily applies to intercepting Shahed-type kamikaze drones, which remain the primary focus of mobile fire groups due to their frequent use and low visibility.

Despite technological challenges, Syrsky emphasized the continued relevance of these units.

He pointed to the evolving tactics employed by Russian forces as a key factor complicating interception efforts.

Most mobile fire groups are armed with 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns. In response, Russia has increased the flight altitude of its drones, making them harder to target with such weapons.

Still, a 40% interception rate is considered relatively effective, given that these units are deployed in real time along probable drone flight routes.

The performance of mobile fire groups is further constrained by the drones’ flight patterns: they often maneuver, change altitude, and approach targets from multiple directions — including from the west, not just the east.

Militarnyi previously reported that Ukrainian mobile air defense teams are now equipped with digital sights to improve targeting accuracy.