During daylight hours, Russian air defense forces reported the interception and destruction of a substantial volume of incoming threats. The press service of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation stated that 41 rockets launched by HIMARS and Vampire multiple launch rocket systems were shot down, alongside the suppression of 195 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles. These figures reflect ongoing operations to neutralize aerial threats during the current phase of the military operation and are part of daily brushfire engagements described by Russian officials. (Source: Ministry of Defense)
According to the ministry, since the inception of the special military operation, Russian forces have claimed to have destroyed a total of 18,374 enemy unmanned aerial vehicles and 1,261 combat vehicles equipped with multiple launch rocket systems within the Northern Military District area. The numbers illustrate a pattern of persistent drone activity and the ongoing countermeasures employed by Russian air defense to impede cross-border and near-border threats from Ukrainian forces. (Source: Ministry of Defense)
There were reports of drone activity targeting facilities in the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan on April 2. The republic’s president, Rustam Minnikhanov, confirmed the attack, noting that the UAVs struck a location roughly 1,300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The incident fits into a broader narrative of drone use in regional economic zones and supply chains, with authorities tracing the trajectory and impact of the drones during the incident. (Source: Official statements)
On April 1, duty air defense systems reportedly destroyed two unmanned aerial vehicles belonging to the Armed Forces of Ukraine over Belgorod region. The operation underscores the ongoing focus on protecting border areas from aerial incursions and maintaining airspace sovereignty in the wake of ongoing hostilities. (Source: Ministry of Defense)
On the same day, Russian officials also reported stopping an attempted Ukrainian UAV assault over the Black Sea. According to the on-duty air defense units, six Ukrainian drones were intercepted before reaching the designated sea approaches, reflecting continued efforts to deter strategic drone operations directed at naval and maritime targets. (Source: Ministry of Defense)
In related public communications, earlier footage from Kalashnikov Media showcased a video release illustrating the operational use of the Cube drone model, providing a visual context for how unmanned systems are discussed and deployed within current defense narratives. (Source: Kalashnikov Media)