Russia launches more than 400 attack drones at Ukraine in one day, most of them downed

What Happened

On 12 September, between 06:30 and 18:00, Russian forces launched 410 attack unmanned aerial vehicles at Ukraine, including 37 jet-powered UAVs, according to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian air defences shot down or jammed 336 of the UAVs, 23 of them jet-powered, and recorded hits by 21 drones. As of 18:00, about 55 attack drones were still being tracked in Ukrainian airspace, and new UAV groups were continuing to enter Ukrainian airspace.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The attack illustrates Russia's continued use of massed, mixed UAV barrages to saturate Ukrainian air defences. The reported 82 percent neutralisation rate indicates sustained Ukrainian air defence capacity, but the 21 recorded hits show that some drones breached defences. The deployment of 37 jet-powered UAVs points to adaptation of drone types to complicate interception.

Watch For

Monitor the Ukrainian Air Force's final tallies for the remainder of 12 September, including the fate of the roughly 55 drones still airborne at 18:00, damage or casualty reports from the 21 recorded hits, and any independent or Russian Ministry of Defence assessments of the wave's effects.