Ukrainian Air Force leader shares footage of downing Russian shahed drone

In a recent statement, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk highlighted the critical role of sergeants in countering Russian Shahed kamikaze drones.

Celebrating Sergeant’s Day on 18 November, he shared a video demonstrating their nightly operations.

According to Oleshchuk’s Telegram post, the sergeants, leading mobile fire groups, have been pivotal in downing almost 20 enemy UAVs in a single night.

He emphasized the complexity of these operations and the skill required to achieve such results.

The video released showcases the efforts of Mykola Salabuda, a senior soldier soon to be promoted to sergeant. Serving in the Kherson Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade’s security platoon, Salabuda successfully engaged and destroyed a Russian UAV with a man-portable air defense system.

This marked his first direct engagement and successful downing of an enemy target.

Oleshchuk’s update not only acknowledges the sergeants’ expertise and leadership but also brings to light the intense and challenging nature of their nightly missions against enemy drones.

The video can be watched here on Telegram.