Air defences: Zelenskyy says interceptor drones and mobile fire groups will transform system

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to add mobile fire groups and interceptor drones to Ukraine's air defences, and named Pavlo Yelizarov as a deputy air force commander to oversee the development.

Ukraine's president announced a planned change to how the country's air defences are used, saying the air force will adopt a new approach that involves mobile fire groups and interceptor drones. The announcement followed recent Russian strikes that caused disruptions to power and heating in parts of the country. Zelenskyy said the system will be transformed and named a new deputy air force commander to lead the work. The statement was given in his regular nightly address. Key facts: - Zelenskyy described a new air defence approach involving mobile fire groups, interceptor drones, and other short-range assets. - He appointed Pavlo Yelizarov as a deputy air force commander to oversee and develop the new system. - The announcement came as officials reported preparations for further Russian attacks after recent strikes that disrupted civilian services. Summary: The reported change is presented as an effort to adjust deployment of short-range air defences and to integrate interceptor drones. The immediate procedural step announced was the appointment of a deputy air force commander to oversee development and implementation of the new approach.