The ministry said ballistic missiles remain a challenge for Ukrainian air defences. Neither monthly report states how many were launched, making it impossible to calculate an interception rate from these figures alone.
Interceptions of Shahed-131/136 attack drones increased from 1,876 in August to 2,722 in September. The Shahed-238 tally rose from 1,460 to 1,935.
Across both categories, Ukraine reported 1,321 more interceptions, an increase of approximately 39.6%. Other drone tallies fell, with S8000 Banderol interceptions declining from 101 to 86.
Reconnaissance drone interceptions dropped from 1,031 to 1,009, while Lancet interceptions fell from 820 to 719. Separately, the Air Force reported neutralising more than 48,000 tactical-level drones in September, compared with more than 50,000 in August.
Missile figures varied by type, with Kh-101 interceptions falling from 25 to 24 and Kh-59/69 interceptions declining from 21 to six. Kalibr interceptions rose from eight to 12, while Iskander-K interceptions increased from four to six.
Russia is increasingly using jet-powered drones travelling at around 400 kilometres per hour, the ministry said. Their speed shortens the time available for detection and engagement, while small groups are being sent towards different regions.
Ukraine uses aviation among its countermeasures and is developing new interception capabilities. September’s results also involved surface-to-air missile forces, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups.
Defence Minister Evgeniy Khmara recently discussed air-defence requirements with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The talks covered F-16 ammunition, critical infrastructure protection and additional equipment, including IRIS-T interceptors.
Source: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (press release).
