Volunteer air defence units protecting Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, are struggling to intercept Russia’s new generation of jet-powered attack drones, as the weapons’ speed and flight altitude expose the limitations of equipment used by civilian defence teams.
One of the groups, Mriya, operates across a network of positions around the capital, with volunteers monitoring the skies and attempting to shoot down incoming drones. Many members hold civilian jobs during the day and take up defensive duties at night to help protect their communities.
For years, these volunteers played an important role in countering slower, propeller-driven drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed models used extensively by Russian forces. The newer jet-powered variants, however, can travel at speeds approaching 600 kilometres per hour and fly at altitudes of up to 10 kilometres, putting them beyond the effective range of some volunteer-operated machine guns.
The changing threat has forced Ukraine to accelerate efforts to develop faster interceptor drones and improve its air defence systems. However, shortages of specialised components, including small jet engines, are slowing efforts to manufacture the new interceptors at the scale required.
The attacks have also increased pressure on Kyiv’s residents, with Russian drones targeting infrastructure and posing risks to civilians.
Volunteer crews continue to patrol rooftops, fields and other strategic locations despite the dangers. Their efforts form one part of Ukraine’s wider air defence network as the country prepares for another winter of attacks.
The struggle highlights how rapidly evolving drone technology is changing modern warfare and forcing defenders to adapt.
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