In the early hours of March 12, Russian forces launched a significant drone assault on Ukraine, deploying dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various types. Ukrainian Air Force officials reported that the majority of these threats were neutralized by the country’s air defense systems.
According to the Ukrainian military, the attack commenced at 6:00 PM on March 11 and involved 94 strike drones, including models such as ‘Shahed’, ‘Gerbera’, and ‘Italmas’. The UAVs were launched from multiple locations within Russia, including Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea.
Of the drones deployed, over 60 were identified as ‘Shahed’ models. Ukrainian defense forces utilized a range of resources to counter the aerial threat, including aviation units, anti-aircraft missile systems, electronic warfare units, drone systems, and mobile fire groups.
As of 9:00 AM, preliminary reports indicated that Ukrainian air defense had intercepted or suppressed 77 enemy drones across northern, southern, and eastern regions of the country. However, 16 strike drones successfully hit 11 locations, with debris from downed drones also reported in an additional area.
“The attack is ongoing, with several enemy drones still in the airspace. Please adhere to safety protocols,” Ukrainian military officials advised.
Russian forces launched a drone attack on Ukraine, deploying 94 UAVs, of which 77 were intercepted by Ukrainian air defense. Despite these efforts, some drones managed to strike multiple locations.