Ukraine has begun forming a dedicated Unmanned Air Defense Forces branch within the Ukrainian Air Force, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, as reported by the news outlet Militarnyi.
The branch will work alongside tactical aviation and missile defense units, protecting rear areas, including populated zones and key infrastructure.
A command structure has already been established, according to Syrskyi, and units equipped with interceptor drones are being deployed to engage enemy long-range drones, including Shaheds.
In Ukraine, air defense operations are organized in multiple layers, with the first line of interception positioned along the front line where enemy drones typically operate.
Interceptor drones are complemented by tactical three-coordinate radars, which are lightweight, camouflaged, and transportable by small teams.
Radars enable the rapid deployment of autonomous defensive lines in open terrain, allowing units to detect and engage targets independently.
These systems include both domestic and foreign-made platforms, with Ukrainian-operated interceptor drones reaching over 70 percent effectiveness against Russian targets, Syrskyi said.
Rising Tensions
As Kyiv works to bolster its air defenses, Russian forces continue sustained attacks on Ukraine using large numbers of drones and missiles.
Last week, Russia reported taking control of three villages in the east, advancing gradually through Ukrainian positions in close-quarters fighting in the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
According to Moscow, Russian forces have captured roughly 0.8 percent of Ukraine’s territory so far this year.
Meanwhile, diplomacy has stalled as the war approaches its fourth year.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump suggested Ukraine could reclaim all occupied territories, while Moscow insisted it has “no alternative” but to continue its offensive.
