Ukrainian air defenses down over 500 Russian drones over week
From 20 to 26 January, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepting more than 500 Russian drones and two missiles, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on Telegram. The interception breakdown includes two guided air missiles, 375 Shahed-type long-range one-way-attack drones, 71 reconnaissance UAVs, and 59 UAVs of various other types, according to Ukrinform.
The Air Force says Ukrainian tactical aircraft conducted over 30 sorties focused on aerial reconnaissance, fighter cover, fire support, and air support for ground units. The pilots conducted dozens of bomb and missile strikes on Russian positions and facilities, including the points of concentration of equipment and personnel, field ammunition dumps.
The Combined Rifle Brigade of the Air Force reported 64 FPV drone strikes, 144 successful payload drops from UAVs, 11 shooting engagements, and 1,100 reconnaissance UAV flights this week. The relatively low FPV attack count suggests it is not the unit’s primary specialization, as specialized drone units often deploy hundreds of FPV drones weekly.
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- All but one of 80 Russian drones intercepted in night attack that caused one civilian injury
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