Russia launched an overnight aerial assault on Ukraine involving 154 drones and an Iskander-M missile, with Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepting 111 of these unmanned aerial vehicles.
On the night of February 12-13, Russian military forces conducted a significant aerial attack on Ukraine, deploying a total of 154 drones alongside an Iskander-M ballistic missile. The assault included various types of drones, notably around 100 of which were identified as Shahed drones, along with Gerbera and Italmas loitering munitions. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that by 08:30 on February 13, air defense units had effectively shot down and jammed 111 of these Russian UAVs, showcasing a considerable interception capability.
Despite the initial success in defending against the drone strike, some hits were confirmed from the Iskander-M missile and the remaining loitering munitions, with impact reported at 18 different locations across Ukraine. Additionally, the fall of debris from the intercepted missiles was noted at two locations, raising concerns about the potential damage incurred. This incident illustrates the ongoing nature of the conflict, with intensified Russian attacks prompting a robust response from Ukraine's air defense systems, which include aircraft, anti-aircraft units, and electronic warfare assets.
As of the latest information, reports indicate that the attack is still underway, with several Russian drones remaining active in Ukrainian airspace. This continuous confrontation underscores the persistent threat posed by Russian aerial strikes and the urgent need for Ukraine to maintain and enhance its air defense capabilities to safeguard its territory against such assaults, which have increasingly relied on drone warfare as a strategic component.
