Ukraine’s Air Force Downs 80 Drones Amid Escalating Overnight Attack
The New Voice of Ukraine – English
In the early hours of October 18, Ukraine’s Air Force faced an intense wave of Russian drone attacks, successfully downing 80 out of 135 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched against the country overnight. These attacks, a continuation of Russia’s ongoing offensive against Ukrainian infrastructure and cities, represent one of the largest air assaults in recent months.
As the attack unfolded, Romania’s Defence Ministry took decisive action after radar detected an unidentified aerial object approaching the country’s airspace. Jets were scrambled as the object, potentially part of the Russian assault, crossed into Romanian territory near the town of Amzacea, approximately 200 kilometres south of the Ukrainian border. Romanian forces lost radar contact with the object shortly after, heightening concerns about the proximity of the war to NATO borders.
This incident is not isolated. In recent months, Romania and neighbouring NATO member Bulgaria have had to scramble their fighter jets in response to similar threats, as Russian missiles and drones have increasingly encroached on their airspace during cross-border skirmishes. Debris from Russian weaponry has been found in NATO-member countries on multiple occasions, underscoring the risk of accidental escalation between Russia and NATO members.
Meanwhile, further to the north, Belarus scrambled its own fighter jets. The Belarusian monitoring group Hajun reported that two drones were spotted flying toward the Belarusian border, prompting the deployment of its air force. Tensions remain high in the region, with Belarus acting as a key Russian ally. This marks another chapter in the complicated relationship between the two neighbours, with Russia relying on Belarus for logistical and military support during its offensive against Ukraine.
While 80 drones were successfully shot down, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that another 44 were “lost.” Military officials believe these UAVs were downed using electronic warfare tactics, a method that disrupts and disables the drones’ guidance and communication systems. Ukraine has increasingly relied on electronic countermeasures to combat the surge in drone warfare, often forcing drones to crash without the use of missiles or anti-aircraft weaponry.
Despite the sheer volume of drones involved in the attack, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that no significant damage was reported, and there were no immediate casualties from falling debris. However, the strain on Ukraine’s air defence systems continues to grow as Russia intensifies its drone warfare campaign.
The recurring intrusions into the airspace of neighbouring NATO countries like Romania and Bulgaria serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by the proximity of the war to NATO borders. With each drone or missile that strays from Ukrainian airspace, the potential for a NATO-Russia conflict increases. The quick reaction by NATO forces, as demonstrated by Romania’s response, underscores the seriousness with which these incidents are treated.
As Ukraine continues to defend against Russian air assaults, its NATO neighbours remain vigilant, monitoring for potential spillovers of the conflict. The ongoing drone warfare highlights the evolving nature of modern combat, where electronic warfare, UAVs, and swift air defence responses play a central role in defending national borders and ensuring regional security.
For now, Ukraine remains steadfast in repelling Russian aggression, while NATO members continue to assess and adjust their defence postures in light of the growing challenges posed by the war in Eastern Europe.
