On the night of July 16, Ukrainian air defense forces faced a significant aerial assault, which included an attack from the east with an Iskander-M ballistic missile launched from Crimea, as well as an estimated 400 Shahed strike UAVs and simulator drones. The attacks originated from multiple fronts, including Shatalovo, Bryansk, Kursk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Chauda in occupied Crimea. According to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, their air defense systems managed to destroy 198 of the drones, demonstrating the capability of the Ukrainian military to counter large-scale drone attacks.
The attack is part of a broader pattern of Russian efforts to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses with drone swarms, which have become a critical component of modern warfare. The use of multiple types of drones, including Shahed strike UAVs and simulator drones, suggests a strategic effort not only to conduct real attacks but also to test and improve drone technology. Analysts believe that these attacks are designed to create pressure on Ukrainian air defenses while potentially gathering data on their capabilities.
While the exact toll of the attack on Ukrainian infrastructure remains unclear, the report of the successful interception of 198 drones is a significant development in the conflict. This event highlights the importance of air defense systems in contemporary warfare and the ongoing technological arms race between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian military’s ability to neutralize a large number of drones underscores their adaptability and the resilience of their defense infrastructure.