Zelenskyy: Two companies’ interceptors for jet-powered Shaheds pass combat tests

Zelenskyy called the successful testing of interceptors for jet-powered Shaheds a major positive development. However, he said Ukraine wants to see all the tests completed and determine how to accelerate the process as much as possible and move to mass production.

Zelenskyy said talks with the companies were already underway and contracts were being signed.

“I believe this is a success. These two examples already give us optimism, positivity and faith. But in addition to faith and optimism, we also need money. We will work on this issue. There are some good developments here as well. Yesterday, we spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. We will meet in the near future. We are preparing proposals on how to address the shortfall,” the president said.

The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian Air Force communications chief Yurii Ihnat, reported that Ukraine intercepts only about 60% of jet-powered drones, compared with the 90–95% interception rates it typically achieves against other models.

On Sept. 15, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had successfully tested a new interceptor for Russian jet-powered drones. On Sept. 17, he reported another successful test of an interceptor for jet-powered Shaheds.