The Air Force of Ukraine repelled a combined attack by Russia: destroyed 552 drones, 31 missiles

The Air Force of Ukraine repelled a combined attack by Russia: destroyed 552 drones, 31 missiles

Russia attacked Ukraine with ballistic and cruise missiles and launched 579 strike UAVs. Air defence forces neutralized 29 cruise missiles, 2 ballistic missiles, and 552 drones.

This is reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

On the night of September 20, the enemy launched a combined attack on Ukrainian territory using strike UAVs, air-launched, and ground-launched missiles. During the attack, the Air Force’s radio-technical troops detected and tracked 619 air attack means:

• 579 strike UAVs of the Shahed type and various types of drone simulators from directions Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Orel, Shatalovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk – Russia;
• 8 ballistic missiles "Iskander-M/KN-23" from Yeysk - Russia, temporarily occupied Crimea;
• 32 cruise missiles X-101 from the airspace of Saratov region - Russia.

The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups of Ukraine’s Defence Forces.

Russia used a traditional tactic - simultaneously hitting designated targets with a large number of missiles and UAVs of various types. During the airstrike, tactical aviation, including F-16 fighter jets, effectively targeted the enemy’s cruise missiles.

"Western weapons once again prove their effectiveness on the battlefield. We thank our partners for the assistance already provided and look forward to further strengthening of Ukraine in the airspace, both with ground-based air defence systems and aviation components," adds the Air Force.

According to preliminary data, as of 09:00, air defence shot down/suppressed 583 air targets:

• 552 enemy UAVs of the Shahed type and various types of drone simulators;
• 2 ballistic missiles "Iskander-M/KN-23";
• 29 cruise missiles X-101.

Photo: Air Force

Hits were recorded from ballistic, cruise missiles, and 23 strike UAVs in 10 locations, with debris from downed ones falling in 10 locations.

"The attack continues, with several enemy UAVs in the airspace. Follow safety rules!" emphasizes the Air Force.