Ukraine Unveils New Air Defence System to Counter Russian Threats
Ukraine has announced a new air defence system that will use mobile fire groups and interceptor drones as part of a broader transformation of its air defence network, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a televised address on January 19, 2026. Ukraine is pushing this effort as it prepares for what intelligence officials say could be another wave of Russian strikes on critical infrastructure.
Zelenskiy said the revamped system will place greater emphasis on small, mobile units that can rapidly respond to incoming threats and deploy interceptor drones and other short-range defence assets. The president described this shift as a “new approach” in how the Ukrainian Air Force applies its air defence capabilities.
The president also appointed Pavlo Yelizarov as deputy commander of the Air Force to oversee the development and implementation of the new air defence structure. Yelizarov is known for leading effective mobile defence units in recent operations.
Strategic Shift Toward Mobility and Drones
The updated air defence concept reflects Ukraine’s continued adaptation to Russian long-range missile and drone strikes that have targeted energy infrastructure, power grids, and residential areas in recent months. Russian attacks earlier this month severely damaged heating and electricity networks, leaving thousands of residents without essential services in winter conditions.
Ukraine has increasingly focused on domestically produced interceptor drones to supplement conventional air defence systems. These drones are designed to counter hostile unmanned aerial systems and fill gaps between longer-range systems and traditional anti-aircraft assets.
Zelenskiy highlighted the need for citizens and defence units to remain vigilant, saying intelligence indicates that Russia may be preparing for another large-scale strike. He urged regional authorities and emergency services to be ready to respond quickly to potential threats.
Broader Context and Allied Support
Ukraine’s call to strengthen air defences comes amid ongoing appeals to Western allies for additional systems, munitions, and technical support. Western nations have supplied a range of medium and long-range air defence platforms, but Kyiv maintains that evolving Russian tactics require flexible and layered defence solutions.
The introduction of mobile fire groups and interceptor drones is expected to increase flexibility and responsiveness, particularly against swarming drone attacks that can overwhelm fixed air defence sites. This layered approach aims to improve coverage and resilience across different threat vectors.
What Comes Next
The new system’s rollout will depend on training, integration with existing radar and command networks, and continued production of interceptor drones. Ukraine’s defence leadership plans to refine tactics in response to both domestic industry output and battlefield needs.
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