Service members of the mobile air defense unit of the 115th separate mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are taking over the night shift in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine, July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova
During the night leading into September 18, air defense forces successfully repelled another large-scale strike by Russian forces against Ukraine. According to official data, out of 75 drones involved, 48 were destroyed or suppressed, and strikes by attack drones were recorded at six locations.
According to information as of the morning of September 18 and data as of 21:00 on September 17, the enemy used Shahed and Gerbera attack drones, as well as drones of other types from the directions of Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtersk. Most of these aircraft – over 40 units – were classified as Shahed.
The attack was repelled by aviation, air defense missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups of Ukraine’s defense forces.
According to preliminary data as of 09:00, air defense destroyed or suppressed 48 UAVs of Shahed, Gerbera, and other types in the north, east, and center of the country. One unmanned aerial vehicle remained in the air. Also, 26 strike UAVs were recorded as hitting six locations.
The defense forces continue to monitor the airspace and take measures to prevent further threats, maintaining readiness to respond quickly to any deviations in the operation of air defense systems.
Overview of Defense Actions and Next Steps
Ukraine’s defense forces are operating at a high tempo: coordination between aviation, missile units, and electronic warfare units continues. In the event of renewed strikes, additional measures to enhance the safety of the population and critical infrastructure are expected, along with further mobilization of efforts to support the country’s airspace.