Night attack on Ukraine 18 September: how many drones were shot down by air defenses

Fighter pilot. Photo: Ukrainian Air Force

The defenders of the Ukrainian sky repelled a powerful drone attack, destroying about 70 UAVs out of 93 launched by Russia. The enemy struck with unmanned aircraft from five directions, causing impacts at 13 locations. The combat work of anti-aircraft crews and mobile groups continues, as the attack had not ended as of the morning.

This was reported by Novyny.LIVE citing data from the Ukrainian Air Force.

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Air defense results 18 September

For the attack, Russian forces used 93 drones. Among them were recorded strike platforms of the Shahed type, with 46 of them equipped with jet engines. In addition, the enemy launched imitation drones “Parodiya,” Gerbera unmanned systems, as well as munition types called “Banderol” or “Dan-T.” Launches took place from several different points: from the Russian cities Orel and Millerovo, from the territory of temporarily occupied Donetsk, from the Crimean Hvardiyske, and also from the waters of the Sea of Azov.

Shootdown statistics. Photo: Ukrainian Air Force

According to preliminary counts as of 08:00 morning, it was possible to eliminate or suppress by EW means 69 enemy drones.

Despite active defense, it was not possible to avoid consequences. Impacts are recorded at 13 different locations. In three more places debris from shot-down targets was found.

What is the “Dan-T”

This is a new Russian development, created on the basis of the Soviet-Russian multi-role aerial target “Dan-M,” from which the parachute system and extra sensors were removed. The munition is designed to exhaust Ukrainian air defenses, as well as to strike light infrastructure, field fortifications, and armored vehicles.

Its technical parameters are similar to the S8000 “Banderol” munition, which is dropped from Mi-28 helicopters and heavy Orion UAVs.

According to August data, “Dan-T” launches can be carried out both from ground installations and from aviation platforms, including Su-30SM fighters, Su-34, Su-35, Su-57, Su-25SM3 attack aircraft and Mi-28 helicopters.

During an air launch the flight range reaches 450–500 kilometers, whereas a ground launch significantly reduces that distance. The Russian command is trying to use this munition as a cheap substitute for cruise missiles.

Novyny.LIVE reported that this coming winter Ukraine will still need help from Western partners to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles. As people’s deputy Roman Kostenko said at the annual YES meeting, domestic forces are not yet sufficient for this. At the same time he emphasized that in parallel the Ukrainian army must work on destroying the enemy launchers from which the Russians fire these missiles.

At the same time, the danger from upgraded drones is increasing. Military expert Yehor Firsov warned that Russia is producing more and more high-speed jet Shaheds, and they are becoming more effective. Because of this, already at the beginning of winter the capital could suffer massive attacks when dozens of such drones circle simultaneously over Kyiv.

To counter this threat, Ukraine has created its own weapon. The Ministry of Defense will soon sign contracts to purchase the first specialized system specifically for shooting down jet Shaheds. The development has already successfully passed all tests and is now undergoing final official checks before being delivered to the military.