On the night of August 18, 2026, the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled one of the largest air attacks in recent times. According to a report by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, published by RBC-Ukraine, the enemy used an unprecedented number of unmanned aerial vehicles in an attempt to strike critical infrastructure and military facilities.
Nature of the Attack and Directions of Strikes
During the night operation, Russia deployed 147 unmanned aerial vehicles of various types. The attack was massive in nature, covering several strategic directions. The drones flew along routes associated with border regions of the Russian Federation (Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk), as well as targets in the Donetsk region and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The enemy used a mixed composition of drones, including jet UAVs of the "Shahed" and "Herber" types, which complicated the task for air defense units.
Effectiveness of Ukrainian Air Defense
Ukrainian air defense systems demonstrated high efficiency. According to the latest data, Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down or neutralize 111 enemy UAVs. Successful interceptions were recorded in the north, south, and east of the country. Despite the fact that the attack is ongoing, most targets did not reach their coordinates. Air defense forces continue to operate in a heightened state of readiness, repelling attempts by remaining drones to break through.
Contradictory Data
An analysis of information about the night attack revealed discrepancies in figures between various sources. The basis of this article is the report of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, transmitted to RBC-Ukraine, according to which 111 drones were shot down out of 147 launched. However, as follows from the analysis of additional sources (in particular, data from 2024 provided in the context), in similar situations other media outlets (for example, Ukranews) recorded different figures: one report mentioned the shooting down of 127 drones and one missile. In the conditions of the ongoing war and a shortage of real-time operational data, exact figures may vary depending on which source is used for the briefing — the operational headquarters or regional coordinators.
New Threats and Weapon Modernization
In the context of ongoing attacks, experts note the evolution of the enemy's tactics. It recently became known that Russia is building new secret bases for launching long-range jet drones, which allows expanding the geography of strikes. In addition, the enemy demonstrated for the first time a modernized jet drone BM-35, which, according to analysts, may have improved maneuverability characteristics and resistance to electronic warfare. Experts are already discussing how air defense will adapt to neutralize such advanced threats in the future.
Recommendations for the Population
In connection with the fact that the enemy's air attack is continuing, Ukrainian citizens are urged to comply with safety rules. It is necessary to carefully monitor air raid alarms, not ignore them, and immediately move to the nearest shelters. In areas where explosions are heard, one should avoid being in open spaces and near windows.
