Frequent and prolonged alarms due to UAVs: an expert explained the "circling" of "Shahed" drones over Ukraine

Military expert Pavlo Narozhny explained this in a comment to "RBC-Ukraine."

"They're trying to trigger a radar activation or the launch of some kind of missile defense system, hoping to get a hit with something powerful, like a missile," he explained.

According to Narozhny, the "Shahed" drones might be equipped with devices that collect information, which the enemy later analyzes. He recalled several incidents where drones entered Belarus and then crashed there. Today, one UAV crossed the Belarusian border.

"There's no confirmation of this theory, but it's understood that this is provocation. They've done it before and are doing it now," Narozhny said.

He says that in most cases, Iranian "Shahed" drones are targeted with small arms, such as heavy machine guns or anti-aircraft systems. When it's not possible to use these weapons, medium- and long-range air defense systems - like the Soviet-era "Buk" air defense system or Western systems such as Hawk, are used. Since Ukraine is experiencing a shortage of missiles, using them against UAVs means they won't be available for intercepting cruise missiles.

The expert also points out that not all of Ukraine's territory is covered by air defense systems. Instead, there are specific "protected spots" where critical infrastructure is located, and air defense focuses on protecting these areas.

"We currently can't cover our entire territory. That's why things are happening this way," Narozhny noted.

Read also:

• The occupiers attacked Antonivka: there are victims due to drone-dropped explosives

• The situation is extremely tense: a serviceman outlined Russia's total advantage in the East

• The Russian Army struck a cafe in Zaporizhzhia region: a teenager died in the hospital

• Parliament supported the ratification of the Rome Statute: what it means for Ukraine