Ukrainian helicopters with machine guns shoot down over 3,200 ‘Shahed’ drones in a year: successes in Ukraine’s air defense
Over the past year, Ukraine’s defense forces have achieved significant results in countering unmanned aerial vehicles, particularly the ‘Shahed’ drones, employing helicopters armed with machine guns.
According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, since August 2024, Ukrainian helicopters have shot down more than 3,200 such drones, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness.
Simultaneously, the Ukrainian military is actively enhancing its air defense capabilities by integrating high-tech systems and developing new tactics for intercepting drones at various levels.
General Syrskyi emphasized that army aviation using machine guns shows high efficiency in protecting the country and deterring Russian drone attacks.
He also noted that since August of the previous year, more than three thousand ‘Shahed’ drones have been eliminated, a testament to Ukraine’s robust defense strategy.
Additionally, Syrskyi reported that Russian forces suffered serious defeats in the Sumy region and other areas, indicating effective resistance by Ukrainian troops.
The Ukrainian defenders are also expanding their light aircraft and missile defense systems, aiming to further improve and develop their capabilities.
Satellite developments include anti-interception drones, with Ukrainian-designed systems capable of competing with leading international firms such as France’s Merops.
Syrskyi highlighted Ukraine’s ambitious plans to further grow its aviation component and create modern means of counteracting UAVs, strengthening national defense and deterring enemy aggression.