Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a separate branch of Ukraine's military, responsible for air defence and aviation. It was formally established as an independent branch in 2004, though Ukrainian military aviation existed from the time of independence. The Air Force conducts interception of aerial targets, counter-drone operations and strikes on ground positions, particularly since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Its commander reports to the Chief of the General Staff and the Minister of Defence.
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Russia strikes Ukraine overnight with two Zircon missiles and 174 drones; 141 aerial targets intercepted
On the night of September 18–19, Russia attacked Ukraine with two Zircon anti-ship missiles launched from Kursk Oblast and 174 strike drones of various types. Ukrainian air defense reported shooting down or suppressing 141 of 176 aerial targets as of 08:00 on September 19. Main strike directions were Odesa and Kyiv oblasts. Earlier strikes on the evening of September 18 killed civilians in Sumy and Balakliya and injured people in Kyiv Oblast.
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Russia launches 108 drones at Ukraine overnight; 85 intercepted, hits at seven locations
Russian forces attacked Ukraine overnight into September 14 with 108 strike and decoy drones launched from multiple directions, the Ukrainian Air Force Command reported. Air defence shot down or suppressed 85 of the drones as of 08:00, with hits recorded at seven locations. Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat warned that further drone strikes could follow from northern and eastern directions during the day.