Ukraine Intercepts 55% of Reactive Shaheds, Over 1,500 Shot Down in September

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that Ukraine's air defenses are now intercepting 55 percent of incoming reactive Shahed drones. In September alone, more than 2,730 reactive Shaheds were launched at Ukraine, and over 1,500 were either shot down or suppressed.

"Ukraine's interception rate for reactive Shaheds is now 55%. In September, more than 2,730 reactive Shaheds were launched, more than 1,500 were shot down or suppressed. Of course, unfortunately, a significant portion still reaches designated targets, but step by step we will improve our protection," Zelensky said in a video address.

He added that for conventional Shaheds, the interception rate already exceeds 90%, calling on Ukraine to reach similar levels for reactive drones.

Russia's Expanding Drone Arsenal

Zelensky also stated that Russia is gathering intelligence suggesting plans to expand its war to other states and regions. "Together we need to build defenses. Together we need to defend preemptively," he stressed.

He announced that Ukraine will sign its 12th Drone Deal — a bilateral agreement on drone production and supply — with a "strong state" in the coming weeks, continuing Kyiv's strategy of scaling up its own drone capabilities.