Moscow: The Russian air defence forces and air defence means have destroyed more than 42,000 air targets, including over 550 aircraft and 27,000 drones, since the beginning of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, Lt. Gen. Andrei Semenov, commander of the air and missile defence forces and deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, told journalists.
“In total, more than 42,000 air targets have been destroyed by the air defence forces during the special military operation. This includes more than 550 planes, over 180 helicopters, and more than 27,000 UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles],” Semenov said.
The commander added that about a third of Ukraine’s manned aircraft have been destroyed by short-range air defence systems from forward echelons.
“Short-range missile air defence systems [Strela-10], which are in the forward echelons of our troops, have also proved their effectiveness by destroying dozens of enemy reconnaissance and strike UAVs every day, as well as the attack and army aviation of the Ukrainian armed forces, operating at low and extremely low altitudes. In total, these systems have destroyed a third of the manned aviation of the Ukrainian armed forces,” the general said.
