Volunteer air defence teams in Kyiv are struggling to adapt to Russia's new jet-powered attack drones, which have been increasingly deployed since the summer. These drones are reported by crews to travel at about 600km/h and reach altitudes of up to 10km, making them difficult targets for the volunteers' weapons.
The Mriya air defence formation, Kyiv's largest volunteer group, has observed that their Soviet-era heavy machine guns, including American-made Browning M2s and Soviet-era DShKs, are designed for slower targets. The new drones fly too fast and high for the guns' sights, leading to a feeling of helplessness among some crews.
Ukraine's interception rate for these new jet-powered drones currently stands between 50% and 60%. Russia's introduction of these drones coincides with an intensified air campaign, with Kyiv being struck almost daily as winter approaches. Fighter aircraft, including F-16s, are currently the main response to the jet drones.
The attacks have led to restrictions on several of Kyiv's main Dnipro crossings and caused disruption to electricity and water supplies. Moscow has also begun sending waves of jet drones throughout the day, a change from previous assaults that mostly occurred overnight.