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Ukrainian air defences shoot down over 90% of targets, but there is a critical problem

Ukrainian air defences shoot down over 90% of targets, but there is a critical problem

05 June 2026, 17:48

Ukrainian air defences shoot down over 90% of targets, but there is a critical problem — Air defence

In May, Ukraine’s air defence forces improved their effectiveness in intercepting drones and missiles, despite the increasing intensity of enemy attacks. However, missiles capable of shooting down ballistic missiles are critically needed.

This has been reported by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

The ministry reported that in May, during massive attacks, the enemy deployed 8,351 aerial attack vehicles. By way of comparison, there were around 6,700 in April.

Of the 8,150 Shahed, Gerbera and Italmas drones, 7,476 were intercepted, i.e. 91.73%.

Of the 211 cruise and ballistic missiles, 112 were intercepted, i.e. over 53%.

The overall interception rate of air targets during massive strikes reached 90.75%.

Among the missiles destroyed in May were:

2 X-47 M2 "Kinzhal" aeroballistic missiles, which are extremely difficult to shoot down;
50 Kh-101 cruise missiles;
10 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles;
11 Kalibr cruise missiles;
14 X-59/69 guided air-to-ground missiles;
24 Iskander-K cruise missiles.

"However, given the record-breaking workload, there is a critical need for missiles capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Therefore, Ukraine is counting on the support of its partners in procuring PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot air defence systems, which are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles," the Ministry of Defence noted.

As a reminder, earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, called on partners to strengthen Ukraine’s defence against ballistic missiles.

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