Ukraine destroys 16 Russian air defenses in April

Ukraine has destroyed nearly 500 Russian air defense systems since last summer, enabling new strikes deep into occupied Donetsk.

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2 verified

Location

Ukraine

Updated

Friday, 17 April 2026 at 21:02 UTC

Ukraine destroys 16 Russian air defenses in April — Image · 1 / 1

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Ukrainian forces have systematically degraded Russian air defenses in occupied territories, destroying 492 systems between June 2025 and early March 2026. This sustained attrition campaign has created vulnerabilities, allowing Ukrainian aircraft to conduct glide-bomb strikes on targets like Donetsk airport. The operation is supported by AI-assisted 'Hornet' drones that can penetrate electronic warfare to hunt Russian supply trucks, further pressuring what was once a secure rear area for Russian forces.

Updates · 1

17 Apr@EuromaidanPress

New details reveal the scale of Ukraine's air defense attrition campaign, with 492 systems destroyed over a nine-month period, and describe the subsequent operational impact, including glide-bombing and AI-assisted drone strikes in Donetsk.

e/eineurope · topic · T-00411cycle Friday, 17 April 2026 at 21:02 UTC · first reported 17 Apr