Ukraine’s air defenses have downed over 40 Russian ballistic and hypersonic missiles since start of full-scale war – Air Force

Ukrainian air defense shot down a total of 13 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, as well as more than 20 Iskanders and S-400s, which were previously impossible to destroy, says the Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat.

At the same time, Russia's defense capabilities allow it to produce up to 100 missiles, including Kinzhals, which is still a "small pack," the spokesman added.

Regarding yesterday's (11 August – ed.) attack by the Russians, these were Kh-47 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, one of which was shot down in the Kyiv region. These missiles can hit air defense equipment capable of working against ballistic missiles. There isn't much equipment [of such kind] in Ukraine, but there is still a result, he said.

Ukraine's air defense system has destroyed more than one Kinzhal. Six missiles were downed on May 16, and six more on June 16.

Considering that a Kinzhal moves in the sky at a huge speed, more than seven thousand kilometres per hour, there is little time for its downing, Ihnat stressed.

Ihnat said the Russians' attack on 11 August confirms that enemy forces have information about infrastructure and military targets, and they are using it.

The Ukrainian military leadership also understands this, and all the necessary measures are being taken to preserve the equipment and personnel and to ensure that the civilian population suffers as little as possible, Ihnat emphasised.

These missiles cost tens of millions of dollars, as about 100 of them are manufactured every month, including the X-47 Kinzhal. The Air Force believes Russian arms makers find main targets for them because they lack Kinzhal missiles.

Commenting on Germany's new military aid package for Ukraine, including two Patriot launchers, the spokesman emphasized that each batch means saving lives and infrastructure and destroying enemy targets.