New anti-drone missiles
Ukraine Plans to Deploy New Small Missiles Against Russian Drones in October
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Key Points
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Zelensky said Bars interceptor drones have a roughly 30% success rate in shooting down aerial targets, and Ukraine is set to receive 2,000 Bars interceptors through joint production with Germany, which has already funded the program.
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Zelensky said Ukrainian aviation intercepts about 50% to 60% of incoming jet-powered Shahed drones, describing combat aviation as the most effective response to the high-speed targets.
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More than 12 automated counter-drone turrets have been installed across Kyiv, with eight more planned for the surrounding region; the systems use 12.7mm ammunition to target incoming loitering munitions.
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Ukraine has discussed securing F-16 ammunition with Poland’s Donald Tusk and is also negotiating with France, Norway and Sweden, in addition to seeking German support.
Ukraine plans to deploy new small missiles against Russian jet drones starting in late October, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying the domestically-built interceptors could scale up fast if they work. Ukrainian Air Force also revealed the country is using AI-powered robot guns to defend Kyiv, as existing air defenses struggle to keep pace with Russia's speedy Shahed drones.
The effort combines multiple weapons: F-16 fighter jets that stop 50-60% of incoming drones, Bars interceptor drones with a 30% success rate, and 12 automated gun turrets already installed around Kyiv. But the challenge is huge — Zelensky says Ukraine needs 5,000 to 6,000 rounds of 20mm ammunition every single day.
Small Missiles Begin Testing in Late October
Ukraine's new homemade small missiles will hit the battlefield in the second half of October. These interceptors are designed to hunt the fast jet-powered Shahed drones that Russia has been sending at Ukrainian cities. If early tests succeed, production will ramp up quickly to match demand.
Bars Drones and Robot Guns Fill Defense Gaps
Ukraine is already using Bars interceptor drones, which shoot down targets with about a 30% success rate according to Zelensky. Germany has funded the Bars program and will help produce 2,000 more units. The country also deployed 12 AI robot guns across Kyiv, each using 12.7mm rounds to blast incoming loitering munitions out of the sky.
Eight more automated turrets are planned for the region around Kyiv. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuri Ignat confirmed these systems use artificial intelligence to spot and fire at drones automatically, filling a gap left by ammunition shortages.
F-16 Jets Remain Most Effective but Ammo-Starved
Ukraine's combat aviation intercepts 50-60% of jet-powered Shahed drones, making fighter jets the most effective weapon so far. But Zelensky said the country burns through 5,000 to 6,000 rounds of 20mm ammunition per day — far outpacing supply. Ukraine is hunting ammunition deals with multiple allies.
Zelensky has discussed F-16 ammo supplies with Poland's Donald Tusk and is also negotiating with France, Norway, Sweden, and Germany. The ammunition crunch shows why new interceptors matter: layering multiple defense types — drones, missiles, jets, and robot guns — spreads the workload and reduces ammunition demand on any single system.
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