Russian forces have significantly increased the number of launched "Shahed" kamikaze drones over Ukraine due to the establishment of a new supply channel and assistance from China.
Military expert, retired Colonel Roman Svitan stated on the "24 Channel" that the number of "Shaheds" now reaches dozens, and at times even hundreds, posing a serious threat to Ukrainian defense forces.
According to him, in the initial phase of the war, it was possible to effectively use mobile groups and air defense systems to combat several dozen drones, but now, with their numbers sharply increased, new approaches are necessary.
"Using fighter jets to combat "Shaheds" is a mistake, as these aircraft are designed to engage large targets, not inexpensive drones," the expert noted.
He pointed out that it is not the task of fighters to chase after Shaheds. Light attack aircraft, such as the Super Tucano, should be deployed for that purpose.
"As soon as these drones started appearing in large numbers, it was necessary to prepare an appropriate strategy, procure such aircraft, and train pilots," Svitan emphasized.
He added that Ukraine has enough qualified pilots, even among retirees, who could effectively combat "Shaheds" using light attack aircraft.