Introduction of a no-fly zone over Ukraine: NATO and the USA are seeking effective solutions against Russian “Shaheds” to support Ukraine

Effective protection against Russian drones and the necessity of NATO cooperation with Ukraine. Establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine: what is it and is it possible to create one?

The state of creating a no-fly zone over Ukraine was discussed at the level of Poland and other allies.

This opinion was expressed by the Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung after nearly two dozen Russian drones invaded Polish airspace. To intercept them, the Polish and Dutch forces deployed their fighters, resorting to the use of expensive aviation missiles.

Sikorski believes that Ukraine should share its experience in combating drones. He noted:

“Clearly, Ukraine has significantly outpaced us in matters of drone defense. We need to change our perception. In this area, we are not the ones teaching — we are learning from them.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry reacted to these discussions, stating “specific” measures in case of implementing a no-fly zone.

Establishing a no-fly zone: reality or myth?

The question of the possibility of creating a no-fly zone was posed by journalists from the “Current Time” channel to a retired Ukrainian Air Force officer and deputy director of a company producing electronic warfare systems, Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi.

Khrapchynskyi explained:

“A no-fly zone implies the interception of any unidentified objects in the state’s airspace.”

It is necessary to consider the recent attack on Poland and the interception of four drones, fragments of which landed nearby.

NATO standards are focused on intercepting potentially threatening objects. NATO pilots already distinguish between the Russian drones “Gerber” and “Shahed.”

In the decisions made regarding interception considering threats, they determine which target should be shot down. They understood that a reaction to “Gerber” was not required, as it did not carry explosives.

Nevertheless, Khrapchynskyi believes that NATO’s approach has proven effective, although the cost of interception is quite high.

Cooperation between Ukraine and NATO in combating drones

Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi:

“Europe will not be able to effectively intercept the number of drones that Russia launches even against the Lviv region, using such expensive missile systems.”

It is necessary to create new countermeasures, relying on existing solutions in Ukraine.

The Polish side is showing readiness to exchange experiences on this issue, planning trips to Ukraine to study methods of intercepting aerial targets using ground-based means.

This includes the use of mobile fire groups, not just aviation.

How to protect against Russian drones?

Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi:

“The problem of combating drones does not have a universal solution in any country.”

Even countries like Israel resort to using F-16 fighters to intercept drones. Therefore, he insists on the need to develop new adapted tools. It is important to jointly find an approach to effectively solve the problem.

In Europe, there is currently no tool capable of quickly responding to drone threats. While the costs of missiles, for example, air-to-air class, reach $400,000, such measures cannot be long-term.

It is necessary to seek more effective and cheaper solutions. In this regard, cooperation between Ukrainian and NATO military forces is necessary, as well as the creation of new systems.

Anti-aircraft drones as a possible solution?

The publication “Donbas Realii” conducted a survey with UAV experts Oleh Katkshyn, Serhiy Beskrestnov, and Oleksandr Karpyuk (“Serzh Marko”), who serves in the drone systems battalion of the 59th brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force.

The main conclusions are as follows:

• The anti-Shahed UAV must have high speed: to intercept Russian reconnaissance drones “Zala,” “Orlan,” Supercam, a speed of 200 km/h is needed, and for “Shahed,” already around 300.
• The interceptor must operate in difficult weather conditions: capabilities for takeoff in fog and night vision are needed.
• A high operational altitude is necessary: drones can operate at altitudes up to 5 km, but “Shahed” flies above 2 km.
• Special training for operators is required: action must be quick to identify the target and ensure its destruction before it goes out of range.

According to the presented criteria, drone interceptors may require integration of self-guidance. Development should occur promptly, without delays for practical field testing.