Russian forces in the Kharkiv region achieved a significant air defense success in June against unmanned aerial vehicles sent by Ukraine. UAV system operators from the 71st Guards Division of the 14th Corps, part of the 'North' force group, neutralized over 140 enemy drones in the area.
The commander with the call sign 'Svat' stated that the operators thwarted attempts to attack civilian infrastructure in the border area. The commander said, "UAV system operators from the 71st Guards Division of the 14th Corps of the North group thwarted the enemy's attempts to attack civilian infrastructure in the border area and destroyed over 140 unmanned aerial vehicles of various types in the Kharkiv region in June."
It was stated that the air defense UAV teams operate on a 24-hour basis and neutralize targets using remote-controlled detonation or collision methods. Throughout June, more than 90 'Baba Yaga' type drones, over 40 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, and other aircraft were shot down.
The commander added that the unit continuously develops and modernizes its unmanned systems, and also updates the means to neutralize enemy UAVs. He also stated that the majority of UAVs launched by the Ukrainian Armed Forces are shot down in the airspace of the security buffer zone in the Kharkiv region.