Zelensky unveils four air-defense programs to counter Russian drones

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined four weapons programs to strengthen air defense against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones during a joint press conference in Kyiv with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Zelensky reported that Russia launched about 900 jet-powered Shaheds and nearly 1,000 regular drones in the past week. Ukrainian forces intercept regular Shaheds at 85-92% effectiveness, but jet-powered versions are harder to shoot down, with current interception rates at 50-55%, sometimes reaching 60%. Ukraine aims to secure 5-6 thousand 20mm ammunition rounds daily for F-16 fighters, with support from Germany, Poland, Norway, and Finland. The "Bars" long-range interceptor drones show a 30% success rate, with 2,000 units produced jointly with German funding. A small missile program is expected to show results by late October, and a turret program is in early development.