Ukraine’s air defence forces were unable to intercept any ballistic or hypersonic missiles during Russia’s massive night-time attack, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Russia launched 28 missiles and 115 attack drones. Defence forces neutralised 98 drones, whilst missile strikes and a further 17 UAVs were recorded at 26 locations.
Briefly about the main points
- The missile strike consisted of 24 ballistic missiles.
- A further four aerial targets were identified as «Zircon» or «Onyx».
- Air defence, electronic warfare and mobile fire support units were deployed to counter the drones.
- In Kyiv and the surrounding region, homes, warehouses, logistics facilities and industrial sites have been damaged.
- The Air Force has warned that the casualty figures may be revised following the attack.
The missile strike was directed primarily at ballistic targets
Of the missiles fired by Russia, 24 were ballistic missiles. The Air Force identified a further four as «Zircon» or «Onyx».
Ballistic missiles travel at high speeds, leaving air defence forces with very little time to react. Specialised anti-missile systems and appropriate munitions are required to counter such targets.
Head of the Communications Department, Air Force Command Yuriy Ignat He had previously described the Patriot as the main means of countering ballistic missiles and emphasised the need for additional missiles for these systems.
The defence forces have neutralised most of the attack drones
Ukrainian air defence, electronic warfare and mobile fire support units neutralised 98 attack drones. Aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces and unmanned systems of the Defence Forces were also deployed to repel the attack.
The effectiveness of counter-drone measures cannot be directly compared with that of missile interception: different defence systems are used for these two categories of targets.
Homes and business premises have been damaged in Kyiv and the surrounding region
Missiles and 17 attack drones struck targets at 26 locations. Several hits may have been recorded at some of the sites.
In Kyiv and the surrounding region, residential buildings, warehouses, logistics centres and manufacturing plants have been damaged. It was reported Search and rescue operations continued, with reports of casualties and injuries.
Among the facilities hit were two large Epicentr warehouse complexes and the Epicentr Ceramic Corporation factory in Kalynivka. There were also reports of damage to logistics facilities belonging to Rozetka, Nova Poshta and other companies.
Epicentr Ceramic Corporation manufactures ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware and forms part of the Epicentr Group’s manufacturing and logistics ecosystem. The company has stated that its products are supplied, in particular, to overseas markets.
The Air Force has warned that the attack will continue
At the time of publication, Russian drones remained in Ukrainian airspace. The Air Force noted that, once the attack was over, the figures regarding the number of targets launched and neutralised might be revised.
