Russian guided bomb downed over Zaporizhzhia: is Ukraine’s air defense entering new era?

According to Defense Express, Ukraine’s Air Force has officially confirmed the downing of a Russian guided bomb near Zaporizhzhia on January 6, stating that this is not the first such incident. However, details on how it was intercepted remain undisclosed.  

The development of countermeasures against Russian long-range bombs was first mentioned by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in April 2024. By July, volunteer Serhii Prytula announced Ukraine was close to deploying such weapons, which were already being tested and prepared for production.  

Unofficial reports suggest an "experimental weapon" was used, causing the bomb to crash on the city’s outskirts. The Ukrainian aviation-focused Telegram channel Soniachnyk hinted that some air defense units have successfully shot down guided bombs using ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns. This highlights not only the adaptability of the weapon but also the exceptional skill of Ukrainian forces.  

According to the publication, using anti-aircraft artillery for such defense is a pragmatic solution, given its range of up to 2.5 km. There are also modernization options to improve accuracy and automation. A comparable example is Rheinmetall’s Skyguard Air Defence, which integrates multiple 35mm GDF007 guns with advanced targeting and control systems.

• Ukraine’s Defense Forces shot down a guided aerial bomb over Zaporizhzhia. The Air Force noted that countering such threats requires a comprehensive approach.