Zelensky: Bars interceptors best against jet drones, while Russia holds up to 700 ballistic missiles

The new threat: jet-powered Shaheds

At a joint briefing with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Kyiv on 4 October, President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke in detail about countering jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles — two threats he expects to dominate this autumn and winter.

“As for massive strikes… I believe they will move away from quantity toward quality, shifting from the use of conventional Shaheds to the maximum possible use of jet-powered ones,” Zelensky said (as quoted by Ukrinform). He had earlier said Ukraine downs about 57% of jet-powered and 85–90% of conventional drones, and is testing five models of interceptor drones.

Barsy and other interceptors

The highest rate of downing jet drones, the president said, has been shown by the “Bars” interceptors that Ukraine produces jointly with Germany. “The Barsy have shown positive results: they have the highest percentage. Others are catching up. These are long-range drones that are almost missiles. And now they show about 30% downing. But everything is growing,” he said. Ukraine, he added, will receive 2,000 Barsy.

Zelensky also reported a successful test of the new German-Ukrainian SPYS interceptor by Quantum Systems and the development of a small “Nika” missile against jet-powered kamikaze drones. “Both the Germans and we are reacting positively. Tests will be conducted,” he said. At a business forum the same day, the Defence Ministry signed a memorandum with Quantum Systems on testing and procuring interceptors for jet-powered drones.

Turrets in Kyiv

Answering a question from Ukrinform, the president said more than 12 anti-drone turrets have already been installed in the capital, and eight more .50-calibre turrets (automated combat modules for heavy machine guns) will be installed in the Kyiv region. Countering the new threats, he said, requires a combined defence.

Ballistics: 700 missiles in stock

Zelensky also gave figures on Russia’s missile arsenal: “According to our data, Russia has up to 700 ballistic missiles in reserve and several thousand other missiles.” Russia, he said, produces 130–140 ballistic missiles a month. “We have to fight this, and we are fighting. These are the places where they are produced. These are our long-range sanctions,” he said, calling on partners to increase sanctions pressure.

Patriot systems remain one of the key tools against ballistic missiles; Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara handed Merz a list of needs the same day that included missiles for Patriot and IRIS-T. Zelensky has also said Ukraine and European partners are working on a joint anti-ballistic system, Freyja, which could be operational within a year.

Money for interceptors

Part of the new German package, according to Merz, will go to joint production of drones to counter jet-powered UAVs. “Significant technological breakthroughs have been achieved here in recent weeks. Production is now also accelerating. This will quickly and noticeably strengthen Ukraine’s air defence,” the chancellor said (via Ukrinform). He did not disclose quantities or timelines.

Why it matters

Jet-powered drones fly much faster than ordinary Shaheds and are harder to shoot down with mobile fire teams and older interceptors. That is why Kyiv is betting on mass production of its own interceptors and those built with partners, as well as on “long-range sanctions” — strikes on missile production in Russia. The president’s figures are Ukrainian data, but they explain why air defence and its missiles became the main topic of talks with Berlin.