Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Tests New Weapon Against Russian Drones
Ukraine is testing a new weapon that can stop drones.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said it successfully destroyed a Shahed drone.
The weapon was made by Ukrainian developers.
He said some technical improvements are still needed.
Ukraine’s military reported shooting down 187 airborne targets overnight.
Zelenskiy said 93% of Russian drones were intercepted.
Ukraine has been working quickly on anti-drone technology since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
It is also asking Western countries for more defenses against ballistic missiles.
Ukraine is testing a domestically developed weapon designed to intercept drones.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the weapon successfully hit and destroyed a Shahed drone overnight.
Ukraine’s military said its forces downed 187 airborne targets overnight.
Zelenskiy said 93% of Russian drones were intercepted during the overnight attacks.
Ukraine is developing cheaper drone interceptors while seeking more Western help against ballistic missiles.
- Who
- Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and Ukrainian military forces.
- What
- Ukraine is testing a new domestically developed anti-drone weapon that reportedly destroyed a Shahed drone.
- When
- The announcement was made on Sept. 15, after an overnight attack; the year is not specified.
- Where
- Ukraine; the specific testing location was not stated.
- Why
- Ukraine is seeking more effective and lower-cost ways to intercept Russian drones and strengthen its air defenses.
- Weapon status
- A Ukrainian anti-drone weapon is undergoing testing, with some technical details still needing refinement.
- Reported successful test
- Zelenskiy said the weapon hit and destroyed a Shahed drone overnight.
- Airborne targets downed
- Ukraine’s military reported downing 187 airborne targets overnight.
- Interception rate
- Zelenskiy said 93% of Russian drones were intercepted overnight.
- Development focus
- Ukraine has focused on interceptors as an efficient and cheaper way to counter drones.
- Additional defense needs
- Ukraine says it needs more Western interceptors to defend against ballistic missiles.
- European system
- Kyiv is pressing for rapid development of a European-designed air defense system known as Freyja.