Yevheniy Khmara: Ukraine scales up use of Bars drones against Russian jet-powered UAVs

Multi-layered air defence system

Countermeasures against Russian air attacks are organised on the principle of a multi-layered system, which provides for several echelons of defence. Particular attention is paid to countering jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles, where significant successes have already been achieved. This was stated by Ukraine's Defence Minister Yevheniy Khmara during a meeting with journalists.

According to the head of the ministry, surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs), man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), turrets, electronic warfare (EW) systems, crews with interceptor drones, and "small air defence" assets are deployed to protect Ukrainian airspace. This system is supplemented by an aviation component, specifically Mirage and F-16 aircraft.

Khmara emphasised that the Ministry of Defence is simultaneously working on equipping the army with interceptor drones, aviation and ammunition for it, surface-to-air missile and artillery systems, turrets, EW assets, and other solutions. The minister stressed that it is currently extremely important to plan several steps ahead and maintain a sufficient stockpile of necessary weapons.

100% effectiveness of Bars drones

"We also know which solutions Russia is developing, this concerns jet-powered drones with a speed of 800 km. We are working on finding countermeasures to the next generation of threats. Relevant tasks - to provide proposals and prototypes - have been set for manufacturers, the military-industrial complex," Khmara stated.

Despite the fact that enemy jet-powered drones remain a serious problem, the minister added that Ukraine already has successful results in the use of interceptor drones against them.

"One unit, during combat use, destroyed five aerial targets with five interceptors (Bars). That is, the effectiveness is 100%. This experience is now being studied and scaled up, with additional specialists and units being involved in the work," Khmara noted.

In addition, there are results from the use of large-calibre turrets against jet-powered UAVs. Their number in service is already measured in hundreds. According to the minister, this direction is being scaled up, and systems with increased range are being developed.

The role of aviation and the ammunition problem

"In parallel, SAMs and MANPADS are also showing effectiveness. We are focused on purchasing both the systems themselves and the missiles for them, and we are discussing this with partners in various countries," the minister added.

Khmara drew attention to the fact that aviation remains one of the most effective means of fighting jet-powered drones.

"The Ministry of Defence is working on increasing the availability of F-16s for combat duty. One of the bottlenecks is aircraft maintenance, and relevant capabilities are currently being expanded," the minister stated.

He also added that Mirage aircraft are used in countering aerial targets. For both platforms, it is critically important to maintain a sufficient reserve of ammunition for several months ahead. This problem remains critical for Ukraine, as there is a shortage of available and potential missile supplies for intercepting ballistic threats.

The Ministry of Defence is actively negotiating with allies to accelerate the supply of necessary missiles.

"The task is not to wait for large long-term contracts, but to find available stocks with partners as quickly as possible and accelerate their transfer to Ukraine. We need tens and hundreds of missiles, not individual deliveries. In parallel, Ukraine is applying an asymmetric response - striking Russian launch sites," Khmara emphasised.

Strikes on enemy infrastructure

According to the minister, in September and October alone, the Defence Forces struck eight installations used for ballistic strikes: three were destroyed and five were damaged.

Khmara explained that the fight against guided aerial bombs must be comprehensive. The main task is to strike the carriers: Russian aviation and airfield infrastructure.

"Ukraine is also considering and testing additional solutions that will allow for more effective countermeasures against aircraft carrying guided aerial bombs," the minister concluded.