Ukraine tests home-grown system that downed a Russian Shahed drone
Ukraine reported that a newly developed domestic weapon successfully shot down a Russian Shahed-type drone, though further technical work remains.
Ukraine announced that its latest indigenous air-defence system managed to destroy a Russian Shahed-type explosive drone in a night-time trial, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. The prototype is part of a broader effort to replace costly missile solutions with rapid, lightweight interceptors aimed at jet-engine drones. Zelenskyi noted that additional technical refinements are needed before the system can be fielded at scale.
The country is also expanding protective measures for rail lines, border crossings and other vital sites as Russian drones have repeatedly targeted locomotives. Foreign Minister Andri Sybihan warned that Russian attacks have damaged or destroyed hundreds of trains since the conflict intensified, prompting a request for more rail-compatible locomotives and funding for new equipment.
