Kyiv: Ukraine faced another large-scale overnight drone attack as Russian forces launched dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles toward Ukrainian territory during the night of September 15–16.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that 80 drones were involved in the overnight attack, including Shahed-type attack drones, jet-powered drones and decoy unmanned aircraft.

Ukrainian air-defense forces reported destroying or electronically suppressing 63 of the incoming drones during the operation.

Authorities also reported impacts involving aerial weapons at several locations, while debris from intercepted drones was found in other areas.

The attack involved several layers of Ukraine’s air-defense network, including anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, mobile fire groups and unmanned-systems units.

The latest attack forms part of a continuing pattern of Russian drone strikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly warned residents to respond to air-raid alerts and remain in protected locations during attacks.

Drone warfare has become a major feature of the conflict, with both sides increasingly using relatively low-cost unmanned aircraft to attack targets at significant distances.

Ukraine has been expanding its ability to detect and intercept drones through a combination of traditional air-defense systems, electronic warfare and increasingly sophisticated unmanned technologies.

The latest overnight operation also illustrates the continuing challenge posed by large drone waves. Attackers can combine different types of UAVs, including decoys, in an attempt to complicate detection and interception.

Ukrainian officials continue to assess the consequences of the latest attack, including damage caused at locations where aerial weapons reached the ground.

The continuing attacks have placed additional pressure on Ukraine’s air-defense infrastructure while highlighting the importance of international assistance for strengthening protection against drones and missiles.

Further details about casualties and infrastructure damage may become available as local authorities complete their assessments.