Over 80k aerial targets shot down during conflict with Ukraine – Putin

The figure includes some 7,500 ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as other sophisticated munitions, according to the Russian president

Russian forces have shot down more than 80,000 aerial targets during the conflict with Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has revealed, adding that the country is seeking to create a universal anti-aircraft system capable of intercepting any incoming projectile.

Putin made the remarks on Thursday while meeting with senior civilian and military officials to discuss Russia’s armament plans for the period between 2027 and 2036.

The conflict with Ukraine has been marked by the rapid development of aerial weaponry, the evolution of its role and the tactics of its use, Putin noted.

“The new state armament program should ensure the creation of a universal air defense system that is capable of operating in any conditions and effectively destroying aerial strike weapons regardless of their type,” the president stated.

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The 80,000 figure includes some 7,500 sophisticated munitions, such as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and projectiles fired by multiple rocket launchers, Putin noted, adding that nearly all such weapons destroyed had been supplied to Kiev by the West.

However, drones constitute the vast majority of aerial targets intercepted during the conflict. According to the latest figures by the Russian Defense Ministry, more than 63,000 Ukrainian UAVs of all types have been destroyed amid the hostilities. 

“The fight against various types of unmanned aerial vehicles required new approaches and non-standard solutions. This field remains particularly relevant,” the president stressed.