{
  "id": 9167161,
  "title": "Ukraine shoots down Russian drones by hundred thousand: 350,000 this year, filmed and verified hit by hit in DELTA",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/ukraine-shoots-down-russian-drones-by-hundred-thousand-350-000-this",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T17:16:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euromaidan Press",
    "slug": "euromaidan-press",
    "url": "https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/09/22/ukraine-shoots-down-russian-drones-by-hundred-thousand-350000-this-year-filmed-and-verified-hit-by-hit-in-delta/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukraine's armed forces have successfully shot down over 350,000 Russian drones since the beginning of the year, according to the Defense Ministry. Of these, approximately 220,000 are fixed-wing drones, 100,000 are quadcopters, and 31,000 are long-range Geran drones. The impressive tally was compiled by filming and verifying each hit using the DELTA combat system, a digital platform that the ministry regards as vital to their advantage over Russian forces.\n\nRussia has escalated its threat, targeting NATO countries with its own drone incursions. Poland, for example, managed to bring down only four out of about 19 Russian drones during one incursion. The success rate for NATO is miniscule compared to Ukraine's record-breaking performance.\n\nMost of Ukraine's drone destruction is attributed to the Defense Forces' unmanned-systems units, which have taken down more than 320,000 Russian fixed-wing and copter drones. These units, along with mobile fire groups and army aviation, have also neutralized faster Geran-type attack drones. The relentless pace of Ukraine's drone defense efforts continues unabated. In August alone, Ukraine destroyed about 35,000 fixed-wing drones and nearly 24,000 copters, according to the ministry.\n\nThe DELTA system plays a crucial role in Ukraine's drone defense strategy by verifying each hit and logging them all in a digital database. This meticulous process allows commanders to study the methods of successful interceptions and replicate them, giving Ukraine a strategic edge over Russia.\n\nThe purpose of this painstaking verification and filming of each downed drone is clear: it aims to protect Ukrainian soldiers and civilians by neutralizing Russian reconnaissance capabilities and thwarting strikes on cities and critical infrastructure. The ministry argues that each drone stopped potentially saves a life, making the effort highly justified.\n\nHowever, the threat posed by Russian drones is not confined to Ukraine alone. NATO allies have been warned about Russia's intention to launch drone and missile strikes against countries supporting Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that intelligence suggests Russia's plans for such attacks. The countries facing this threat, which have struggled to stop even a few drones, are now learning from Ukraine's effective defense tactics to counter the Russian threat.",
  "summary": "The tally dwarfs what NATO manages against a handful of Russian drones.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Kyiv Independent",
        "title": "Russian jet-powered drones strike Kyiv, injuring 8",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/russian-jet-powered-drones-strike-kyiv-injuring-8",
        "published": "2026-09-22T17:21:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}