On October 4, 2026, Kyiv installed over 12 automatic combat turrets to counter reactive drones. This information was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
New Defense Systems
The automatic combat modules that have already been deployed in Kyiv are designed for effective combat against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They are capable of rotating and aiming weapons at targets, making them more effective compared to conventional mobile fire groups. The next step will be the deployment of eight more such systems in the Kyiv region, which will enhance security in the area.
Effectiveness of Defense Forces
Zelensky also noted that the Ukrainian Defense Forces demonstrate high interception rates for drones. According to him, they are capable of intercepting:
- approximately 85—92% of regular “Shaheds”;
- about 50—70% of reactive drones.
This data indicates significant progress in protecting Ukraine's airspace, especially amid increasing threats from drones.