Russian air defenses intercept 3 HIMARS,104 drones from Ukraine
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Russia's air defenses downed dozens of drones and several US-supplied HIMARS that were launched from Ukraine toward Russian territory.
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A Ukrainian serviceman of the 57th Mechanised Brigade fired 120mm mortar toward Russian positions near Kharkiv, Ukraine, on December 24, 2024. (AP)
Russian air defense systems have successfully downed three US-supplied HIMARS rockets and 104 fixed-wing drones over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Saturday.
According to the ministry's statement, 57 of the drones were shot down outside the designated special military operation zone.
"Air defense units shot down three US-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 104 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, including 57 outside the special military operation zone," the ministry said.
Russian forces also targeted and struck key Ukrainian military infrastructure, including a military airfield, a fuel and lubricants depot, as well as clusters of military personnel and equipment across 148 areas, the ministry added.
The announcement comes as Ukraine grapples with a significant shortage of drones, which has been compounded by a lack of funding.
Escalating strikes
Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted 56 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions during the night, according to a statement released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Saturday.
"This past night, air defense systems on duty destroyed 56 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry confirmed.
The breakdown of the intercepted drones includes 11 over the Belgorod Region, 28 over the Voronezh Region, and 17 over the Rostov Region.
The incident reflects the ongoing tensions in the region as drone activity continues to play a significant role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The statement did not specify whether any damage or casualties occurred due to the attempted drone incursions.
Ukraine needs more assistance
Ukrainian lawmaker Mariana Bezuhla revealed earlier in December that Ukraine has had to drastically reduce its drone purchases due to financial constraints. Dmytro Khasapov, head of Ukrspecsystems, Ukraine’s major combat drone manufacturer, confirmed the shortage, highlighting funding as the main obstacle to securing more drones.
In response to Ukraine's continued need for military assistance, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated on Friday that the outgoing administration would soon unveil a new security assistance package for Ukraine. The aid package is set to include additional drones, air defense systems, artillery, and armored vehicles, reinforcing Ukraine's defense capabilities as the conflict persists.
As the war drags on, both Ukraine and Russia continue to adapt their military strategies, with air defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles playing a crucial role in the ongoing conflict.
