Interception of «Shaheds» before approach: Aviation expert Kryvolap reveals new defense tactic

To counter massive drone attacks effectively, Ukraine should make greater use of light aircraft.

This view was expressed by aviation expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap on the «KYIV24» broadcast.

According to him, even a small number of drones breaking through air defenses poses a serious threat to cities and critical infrastructure.

The key task is to destroy them on approach, before they reach populated areas.

«Air defenses are delivering fantastic results — up to 96% of aerial targets are destroyed or suppressed. However, single breakthroughs remain a critical issue. Drones reaching Lviv and striking the city center show that our air defenses are under strain. No drone should enter city limits. Meanwhile, protection against „Shaheds“ has been substantially reinforced over the last six weeks, ” the expert said.

How to stop «Shaheds» on approach to cities

Kryvolap believes light aircraft can be an effective interception tool — especially over open areas, including fields and forests. They can respond quickly to threats while saving expensive resources, including surface-to-air missiles.

The idea becomes particularly relevant amid rising attack intensity. On March 24, Russian forces deployed nearly a thousand strike drones of various types toward western Ukraine. A significant number of targets were neutralized: hundreds of drones were destroyed both at night and during the day.

According to Kryvolap, combining different tools — from air defense to aviation — will improve protection efficiency and better counter the new tactic of massive attacks.