Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed on October 20 that Russian forces launched a coordinated attack on the country’s territory, involving three Iskander-M ballistic missiles and a swarm of 60 Shahed, Gerbera drones, as well as other types of unmanned aerial vehicles. The attack marked another escalation in the ongoing conflict, with Russia attempting to pressure Ukrainian defenses through a multi-pronged assault.
According to Ukrainian military sources, the Ukrainian Air Force managed to neutralize 38 of the incoming drones, effectively countering the Russian assault. The remaining drones and missiles were either intercepted or deflected, preventing them from reaching key infrastructure or civilian areas. This latest successful defense highlights Ukraine’s growing capabilities in countering aerial threats, despite the persistent pressure from Russian forces.
The Ukrainian military has been investing heavily in air defense systems and electronic warfare capabilities to mitigate the effectiveness of Russian drone attacks. With the increasing use of drones in modern warfare, Ukraine’s ability to intercept and destroy multiple aerial threats underscores the strategic importance of such defensive technologies in the current conflict.