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Ukraine’s Drone Interceptors Change the Game, Destroying Over 2,000 Russian UAVs

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
AUTHOR
Ukraine’s Drone Interceptors Change the Game, Destroying Over 2,000 Russian UAVs
Shulika Kupol Mod2 interceptor drone on display in Kyiv during Belgian PM Bart de Wever’s visit, April 8, 2025. (Source: Bloomberg / Getty Images)

Ukrainian interceptor drones have destroyed more than 2,000 Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including at least 17 Shaheds, as part of the “Dronopad” initiative launched by the foundation Come Back Alive. The foundation announced the latest figures on June 19.

The project, which began in spring 2024, equips frontline units with modernized FPV drones, vehicles, communications, and power systems for drone interception missions.

According to Come Back Alive, 88 brigades are now participating in the program, with eight units receiving drones specifically designed to target Shaheds.

In addition to the Shaheds, over 30 Geran-type drones—low-cost analogues of Shaheds used to overload Ukrainian air defenses—have also been downed.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to scale cost-effective drone defense across Ukraine’s armed forces. Unlike conventional air defense systems that rely on expensive missile interceptors, the use of modified FPV drones allows for targeted, low-cost takedowns of Russian UAVs.

According to the foundation, the total damage inflicted on Russian assets by these drones exceeds 6.4 billion UAH (approximately $160 million). In contrast, the cost of the donated equipment amounts to just 464 million UAH (around $11.5 million).

Come Back Alive also supports drone operator training, including through the Yatagan School, and plans to help the military develop a permanent ecosystem for drone interception—combining state resources with volunteer and donor contributions.

The program’s long-term goal is to take down at least 3,000 enemy drones. Among those already destroyed are reconnaissance and attack drones including Orlan, ZALA, Lancet, and Supercam models.

Earlier in April, Ukraine publicly showcased a domestically produced interceptor drone capable of downing Shaheds for the first time. Already in use, the drone had reportedly destroyed over 20 Shaheds and 10 reconnaissance UAVs in the previous two months.

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