Project “Dronopad”: Ukrainian fighters have already destroyed several dozen enemy “Shaheds” and continue fighting for air superiority
Since the implementation of the "Dronopad" program, aimed at destroying Russian strike drones, Ukrainian military personnel have achieved impressive results. Thanks to modern equipment purchased with the support of the "Return Alive" fund, Ukrainian defenders have gained the ability to effectively counter the push of the enemy's unmanned aerial vehicles. According to data provided by Taras Chmut's fund, in May and June, Ukrainian soldiers shot down at least 17 "Shahed" attack drones and over 30 "Gerbera" reconnaissance drones — the latest cheaper analogue of the "Shahed." Investments in weapons and technology It is worth recalling that the "Dronopad" initiative started in August 2024 and involves the systematic destruction of Russian drones capable not only of surveillance but also of striking Ukrainian territory. As part of this project, the "Return Alive" fund purchased specialized equipment for intercepting and destroying these drones. Although the exact specifications of this equipment are not disclosed, its effectiveness has already been proven on the battlefield. According to Taras Chmut, the most significant results were achieved in May and June, and since the start of the project, Ukrainian defenders have shot down more than two thousand Russian drones overall. The goal — three thousand destroyed drones The fund's head emphasizes: the goal of the "Dronopad" project is to eliminate 3,000 enemy reconnaissance and strike drones. "We invest not only in technology but also in training military personnel," Chmut states. "This allows us to increase the efficiency of each operation and to boost the number of successful intercepts. In less than a year since the launch, the number of "Shahed" drones destroyed has already reached thousands, and with each month, our achievements grow. This not only increases the chances of saving the lives of our soldiers and civilians but also significantly complicates the enemy's combat operations." Scale and scope As of today, 88 Ukrainian brigades have joined the "Dronopad" initiative, working with the support of automated interception systems. Experts note that using upgraded FPV drone technologies — with revolutionary source accuracy — allows for significant resource savings for the state. This is especially important because the use of expensive surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft systems is reduced, while the capability to shoot down dozens of enemy drones increases substantially. How "Dronopad" works and future plans More details about how this initiative operates can be found on the project's official page. Regarding strategic development, Colonel Yury Ignat, head of the Air Force's communication department of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, told "Ukrainska Pravda" that the Air Force is actively developing counter-drone capabilities, including countering kamikaze drones, and is helping train highly qualified UAV operators — interceptors. According to him, modern drone air defense is the most effective and economical means of combating the increasing number of "Shaheds" launched by the enemy. "We understand that we cannot constantly spend expensive anti-aircraft missiles and aircraft on fighting gray drone threats, so we are seeking alternatives by modernizing approaches and applying the latest technologies," Ignat emphasizes. In conclusion, "Dronopad" is becoming one of the key tools in Ukraine's defense system in combating enemy unmanned attacks. The main goal is not only to destroy as many kamikaze drones as possible but also to enhance the capabilities of Ukrainian forces in the future and to save civilian lives by countering the new challenges of modern warfare.