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Ukraine Tests New Bars Interceptors Against Russia’s 800 Km/h Jet Drones—and Scores Five-for-Five
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Ukraine is expanding its air defense capabilities to counter Russia’s increasingly sophisticated aerial threats, including jet-powered drones capable of reaching speeds of up to 800 kilometers per hour.
During a meeting with journalists on October 10, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara outlined the multilayered structure of Ukraine’s air defense network, according to a UNITED24 Media correspondent.
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He explained that the system includes surface-to-air missile systems, man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), gun turrets, electronic warfare equipment, and specialized units operating interceptor drones.
According to the minister, the Defense Ministry is simultaneously working to secure additional interceptor drones, fighter aircraft and their ammunition, anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems, gun turrets, electronic warfare equipment, and other defensive technologies.
Khmara emphasized the importance of anticipating future threats and maintaining sufficient reserves of weapons and equipment to ensure Ukraine can respond to emerging Russian capabilities.
“We also know what technologies Russia is developing, including jet-powered drones capable of reaching speeds of 800 kilometers per hour. We are working to find countermeasures against the next generation of threats. Manufacturers and the defense industry have been tasked with developing proposals and prototypes,” Khmara said.
While acknowledging that Russian jet-powered drones remain a significant challenge, the minister highlighted recent successes in using interceptor drones against these faster aerial targets.
According to Khmara, one Ukrainian unit achieved a perfect interception rate during a combat operation involving five Bars interceptor drones.
“During a combat operation, one unit used five Bars interceptors to destroy five aerial targets. That is a 100% success rate. This experience is now being studied and scaled up, with additional specialists and units joining the effort,” he said.
The Defense Ministry is now examining how to expand the use of these systems across additional units, drawing on the operational experience gained during successful interceptions.
Beyond interceptor drones, Ukraine has also recorded successful engagements against jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles using large-caliber gun turrets.
Khmara said Ukraine already operates hundreds of these systems, with efforts underway to increase their deployment and develop longer-range versions.
At the same time, conventional air defense systems continue to play an important role in countering Russian aerial threats.
“At the same time, surface-to-air missile systems and MANPADS are also demonstrating their effectiveness. We are focused on procuring both the systems themselves and the missiles for them, and we are discussing this with partners in various countries,” the minister added.
Ukraine is also preparing to introduce additional technologies specifically designed to counter high-speed Russian drones.
Speaking earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country expected to begin using several types of small anti-aircraft missiles against jet-powered drones in the second half of October, although the systems had not yet been deployed operationally.
“There are several types of them. We will obviously see the results this month. Toward the end, in the second half of this month, we expect to see the results. You asked about their use and how widespread it is. So far, there has been no such use. It is yet to happen,” Zelenskyy said in response to a journalist’s question.
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