Ukraine faced nearly 1,900 jet-powered Shahed drones in September, says Air Force official

Russia has launched nearly 1,900 jet-powered Shahed drones against Ukraine in September, according to Ukrainian Air Force official Yuriy Ihnat, marking a sharp increase in their use. Russia has deployed about 7,700 such drones in total. Ihnat stated that September's figure compares to 2,800 jet-powered Shaheds used in all of July, with a 60% interception rate. He noted Russia adapts tactics and weather conditions to complicate Ukrainian air defense, including launching waves of drones toward western Ukraine. Ihnat also discussed interceptor drones and the challenge of responding to fast Zircon missiles, which travel at about 10,000 km/h, relying on NATO partners for early warning information. Jet-powered Shaheds are harder to shoot down than standard ones due to higher speed and altitude.