Key Points
- Ukraine averaged nearly 950 interceptor drones per day in December to counter Russian Shahed-type uncrewed aerial vehicles, according to the Ministry of Defense.
- The Defense Procurement Agency has contracts with more than 10 manufacturers and has begun procurement planning for 2026, including anti-Shahed drones.
Ukraine has sharply increased the daily supply of interceptor drones used to counter Russian Shahed-type uncrewed aerial vehicles, with average deliveries reaching nearly 950 units per day in December, according to information released by the Ministry of Defense.
The drones are contracted by the Defense Procurement Agency of the Ministry of Defense and are intended to strengthen air defense against low-cost, mass-produced attack drones that Russia continues to use against Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure, and frontline positions.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal said the increased deliveries are aimed at easing pressure on higher-end air defense systems while expanding protection against drone attacks.
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“We are increasing deliveries of anti-Shahed systems for our soldiers. These systems make it possible to strengthen protection against drone terror while preserving resources for intercepting cruise and ballistic missiles,” Shmyhal said.
According to the ministry, interceptor drones have become an important layer in Ukraine’s air defense architecture, particularly against Shahed-type drones that are launched in large numbers and are often used to overwhelm missile-based air defense systems.
The Defense Procurement Agency said it continues to work on signing new contracts and expanding delivery volumes of interceptor drones for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The agency has also begun procurement of weapons and military equipment for 2026, including anti-Shahed uncrewed systems.
The head of the Defense Procurement Agency, Arsen Zhumadilov, said securing a steady flow of interceptor drones remains a core priority.
“Providing the military with interceptor drones is a priority for the Defense Procurement Agency. We are working systematically with the market to ensure continuity and completeness of supplies. As of December, we have contracts with more than 10 manufacturers of such unmanned systems,” Zhumadilov said.
The agency’s approach reflects a shift toward diversifying suppliers and scaling domestic and partner production, rather than relying on a limited number of platforms. Officials say this helps reduce supply disruptions and allows faster adaptation to battlefield requirements.
In addition to increasing procurement volumes, the Defense Procurement Agency has integrated tactical-level interceptor drones into the DOT-Chain Defence IT system. This digital platform allows frontline brigades to independently select and order the equipment they need for countering enemy reconnaissance and strike drones.
According to the agency, this includes threats such as Russian Orlan and Zala uncrewed aerial vehicles, which are commonly used for surveillance, artillery spotting, and strike coordination. By giving units direct access to interceptor drones through the system, commanders can respond more quickly to changing conditions on the battlefield.
Ukrainian officials say the growing role of interceptor drones reflects lessons learned over the course of the war, particularly the need for cost-effective solutions to counter large numbers of relatively inexpensive enemy drones. Missile interceptors remain critical for defending against cruise and ballistic missile attacks, but they are costly and limited in number.
By contrast, interceptor drones offer a way to target Shahed-type threats at a lower cost and with greater flexibility, especially when integrated into layered air defense networks alongside radar, electronic warfare, and traditional missile systems.
