The Ukrainian defense-industrial complex has developed a new specialized weapon to counter air threats. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the creation of a small missile called "Nika", designed specifically to destroy enemy jet drones, including modern Shahed-type modifications. Currently, the innovative system is preparing for a series of test launches to confirm its combat characteristics.
Joint Projects and New Interceptors
In addition to its own "Nika" development, Ukrainian specialists are actively cooperating with international partners. In particular, the president noted the successful completion of tests for the new Ukrainian-German "Spis" interceptor. According to the head of state, the reaction of both the Ukrainian side and German experts to the preliminary test results is exclusively positive, which paves the way for scaling the project.
Deployment of Turrets and Capital Defense
Parallel to the creation of missile weapons, large-scale work is underway in Ukraine to deploy ground-based interception systems. More than twelve special combat turrets designed to combat jet drones have already been installed in Kyiv. The authorities' immediate plans include installing another eight similar systems in the Kyiv region, and in the future, the number of such defensive complexes at critical facilities will reach dozens.
Contradictory Data
During official statements and press conferences, certain discrepancies arose regarding the scale of the deployment of defense systems. Initially, it was reported that more than 12 turrets were installed directly in Kyiv and another 8 in the region, but at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited Kyiv on October 4, 2026, it was clarified that the total number of such turrets at various facilities will be "dozens," without detailing the exact proportions between the capital and the region.
International Support and Prospects
The issue of arms and ammunition supplies remains key on the agenda of the Ukrainian authorities. During negotiations with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the Ukrainian side confirmed its continued work on acquiring long-range Taurus cruise missiles. In addition, intensive consultations are underway with Germany and Poland on finding and supplying scarce shells for F-16 fighter jets, which are also involved in repelling jet drone air attacks.
