London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Mar 13, 2025

Ukrainian Mobile Air Defense Units Battle Intensifying Russian Drone Strikes

Ukrainian Mobile Air Defense Units Battle Intensifying Russian Drone Strikes

As the frequency of Russian drone attacks escalates, Ukrainian air defense squads employ mobile three-man teams to protect Kyiv and other areas.
In Kyiv, mobile air defense units of the Ukrainian National Guard are engaged in a relentless effort to counter Russian drone incursions.

Comprising three soldiers—a machine-gunner, a spotter, and a driver—these teams are assigned specific sectors to defend, utilizing high-powered machine guns mounted on vehicles.

A recent mission involving the team from the 27th Pechersk brigade reflects the ongoing challenges faced by these defenders.

During a night shift, the team attempted to intercept enemy drones across their designated area without success.

The mobile squads are a vital component of Ukraine's multi-layered air defense strategy, which also includes advanced Western-armed systems reserved mainly for missile threats.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian forces launched 7,000 drones in 2024, significantly increasing from the previous year.

The current month alone has witnessed 1,803 kamikaze drone attacks, including decoy units intended to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses.

While a large percentage of these drones have been neutralized, many still manage to hit their intended targets.

Armed primarily with Turkish-made Canik M2 machine guns, these teams face continuous pressure.

The growing complexities of drone maneuvers, which now frequently involve zigzagging and altitude changes, present additional challenges.

This intensifying situation has led Ukraine to plead for enhanced air defense support from international allies.

The mobile air defense squads consist largely of former civilians, drafted following the 2022 escalation of the conflict.

Members of these units have diverse backgrounds, with roles ranging from business ownership to sales management and construction.

Their current mission often requires staying on duty for extended periods, enduring fatigue and sleeplessness as they maintain vigilance against drone threats.

Iranian-designed Shahed drones, used heavily in these assaults, travel at speeds up to 260 kilometers per hour and carry significant explosive payloads, posing severe risks to both military and civilian targets.

In attempts to mitigate further danger, the squads operate predominantly in non-populated areas to intercept drones away from civilians.

Despite their taxing assignments, the squads remain convinced of the critical nature of their work.

While the pressing need for personnel saw Ukrainian forces transfer some air defense soldiers to infantry roles in 2024, efforts continue to reinforce and maintain these crucial defensive operations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has highlighted the significance of these air defenses in talks with foreign officials, underscoring the vital role of these mobile units in Ukraine's extensive defense network.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
These are currently increasing in the UK.
Trump's Encounter with the Irish Prime Minister Takes an Unforeseen Twist Regarding Fashion and Economic Matters.
Isabel, a Russian native, wed Zahid Ali Khan, describing it as "love at first sight." She adores him for his character, not his $740 million fortune.
Chair Refers to Transgender Representative as 'Mr. McBride' During Congressional Meeting
The ICC's Revenge on Behalf of Drug Dealers, Against Philippine President Duterte, Who Fought Them and Saved 100 Million Filipinos from the Drugs-Death Industry—ignoring the fact that every victory comes at a cost
Canada Expresses Concerns Regarding U.S. Trade Policies Before G7 Meeting
FBI Alerts of Increasing Smishing Scams Aiming at Mobile Users
World Bank Officials Facing Examination for Travel-Related Carbon Emissions
EU and Canada Declare Countermeasures in Response to U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren: An In-Depth Exploration of Their Marital Struggles and Current Co-Parenting Efforts
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Detained in Manila Under ICC Warrant
Mark Carney Chosen as Head of Canada's Liberal Party, Poised to Assume Role of Prime Minister
Russia Kicks Out British Diplomats in Escalated Tensions
Significant Rescue Effort in Progress Following Collision Between Tanker and Cargo Ship in the North Sea
Pope Francis Exhibits Signs of Recovery, Yet Remains Hospitalized
Report of Radioactive Coolant Leak at Europe’s Largest Nuclear Reactor
Trump Administration Launches Self-Deportation App for Undocumented Immigrants
Syria Wraps Up Military Campaign Amid Extensive Violence and Large-Scale Executions
Trump Remarks on the Arrest of a Pro-Palestinian Student at Columbia University
Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury to Resign Following Assault Conviction
Chancellor Rachel Reeves Prepares for Spring Statement Amid Economic Challenges
Home Secretary Denies Public Inquiry into Sir David Amess's Murder
UK Energy Bills to Increase by 80 Pence to Support Discounts for Households Near Pylons
Russian Teacher Under Investigation After Explicit Content Incident in Classroom
Poland Plans Comprehensive Military Training for All Adult Males Amid Enhanced Defense Initiatives
Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention Amid Security Concerns
Escalating Vandalism Targets Tesla Amid Political Controversies
Former Security Adviser Cautions That UK Troop Presence in Ukraine May Last for Years
Demonstrations Break Out as Individual Ascends Big Ben Carrying Palestinian Flag
Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe Suspended Amid Allegations of Violence and Bullying
Private spacecraft Athena has successfully landed close to the Moon's south pole.
Trump Administration Unveils Gold Card Visa Program Exempting Foreign Assets from U.S. Taxation
Trump Holds White House Summit for Cryptocurrency Leaders Amid Financial Scandals
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Highlights the Importance of the US in Attaining Peace
Trump Discovers Negotiating with Russia More Manageable than with Ukraine During Ongoing Conflict
Google Eliminates Women's History Month and Various Cultural Celebrations from Calendar App
Pope Francis Offers Thanks Despite Continuing Health Issues
King Charles III Reveals Curated Playlist on Apple Music in Anticipation of Commonwealth Day.
Disney's Biggest Cruise Ship Set to Debut in Singapore
Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff, the former 'Baywatch' star, tragically took her own life at the age of 62.
NYPD Detective Encounters Criticism for Viral Music Video Appearance
Trinity College Dublin Honors Eavan Boland by Naming a Building After Her, Signifying a Landmark Achievement
Ex-UK Ambassador Cautions Against a Significant Change in US-UK Relations.
UK Government Confirms Prohibition on Issuing New North Sea Drilling Licences During Shift to Clean Energy
Macron Cautions Against Growing Russian Aggression as U.S. Support for Ukraine Evolves
Trump Offers Short-Term Tariff Waiver to Automakers During Trade Strains
Tesla's UK Sales Increase Despite a Wider European Decline and CEO's Political Engagement
Court Rejects Elon Musk's Request to Block OpenAI's Shift to For-Profit, Accelerates Trial Schedule
Global Scam Operation Takes Advantage of Phony Celebrity Promotions to Swindle Thousands
Assurances from Barclays Chairman Postponed Investigation into CEO's Connections with Jeffrey Epstein
×