Ukraine faced one of its most intense overnight attacks as Russian forces launched a massive aerial strike involving advanced missiles and drones on the night of 2–3 November. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the assault included three Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, four Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and five S-300/S-400 surface-to-air guided missiles. Alongside these, 138 drones of various types, including the Shahed and Gerbera, were launched toward several Ukrainian regions.
Kinzhal and Iskander Missiles Lead Intense Overnight Assault
The Kinzhal missiles, known for their hypersonic speed and high precision, played a central role in the attack. These missiles can travel at speeds up to ten times the speed of sound, making them extremely difficult to intercept. The air raid alerts sounded across many parts of the country during the night, as explosions and anti-aircraft fire echoed across the skies. The scale of the attack, with the combination of Kinzhal, Iskander, and S-400 missiles, made it one of the most significant coordinated strikes in recent weeks.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that as of 08:30 a.m., air defense units had successfully destroyed or jammed one Kinzhal missile and 115 enemy drones across northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine. However, 20 drones managed to hit targets in 11 locations. These hits caused fires, infrastructure damage, and temporary power outages. Emergency crews were immediately deployed to control fires and remove debris from affected areas.
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The Kinzhal missiles, designed to penetrate modern air defenses, represent one of Russia’s most advanced strike capabilities. Their inclusion in this attack underscored the seriousness of the operation and the growing pressure on Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Ukraine’s Defense Units Counter Kinzhal and Drone Attacks
To counter the powerful wave of Kinzhal, Iskander, and drone assaults, Ukraine deployed a broad mix of defensive assets. Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile systems, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups worked in unison throughout the night. The coordination among these units helped neutralize the majority of incoming threats.
Electronic warfare units jammed drone signals, forcing many unmanned aircraft off course. At the same time, radar-guided missile systems tracked and intercepted the incoming Kinzhal missiles, marking a significant achievement for Ukraine’s defenses. Ukraine’s air defense forces achieved a significant feat by destroying one Kinzhal missile, a hypersonic weapon built to bypass most defense shields.
Russian troops also launched Iskander-M ballistic missiles to strike deep inside Ukrainian territory. They used S-300 and S-400 missiles—normally designed for air defense—to hit ground targets, making the attacks even more unpredictable.
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Ukraine’s defense units intercepted most of the incoming missiles and drones, but a few drones managed to break through and cause localized damage. Falling debris from intercepted drones triggered safety alerts in several regions. Russian forces deployed many Iranian-designed Shahed drones in the attack, using them in large numbers during the night.
The Kinzhal’s inclusion added another layer of danger. Its speed and unpredictable flight path make it one of the hardest missiles to intercept. The Air Force emphasized that despite these challenges, coordinated radar tracking and rapid-response units helped reduce potential destruction.
Widespread Drone Threat Continues
The use of 138 drones and multiple Kinzhal missiles in a single night marked one of the largest combined aerial assaults since the start of the conflict. This demonstrated Russia’s reliance on drone swarms and hypersonic missiles to overwhelm Ukraine’s layered air defense systems.
Local reports indicated that several drones struck energy facilities and warehouses, causing fires and temporary power blackouts in certain regions. Emergency crews worked through the night to restore essential services. Residents described the terrifying sound of buzzing drones and thunderous explosions as Kinzhal and other missiles streaked across the night sky.
Ukraine’s air defense network—which includes radar systems, mobile anti-drone units, and missile interceptors—remained on high alert throughout the night and into the morning. The Air Force confirmed that several Russian drones continued to fly in Ukrainian airspace even after sunrise, forcing ongoing interception efforts.
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The Kinzhal missile, once thought nearly impossible to intercept, now stands as a symbol of the ongoing technological struggle between Russian offense and Ukrainian defense. Each successful interception not only strengthens Ukraine’s defense record but also lifts the morale of its forces operating under constant pressure.
The coordinated use of Kinzhal, Iskander, and S-300/S-400 missiles alongside drone swarms aimed to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses. Through the night, radar units and mobile fire teams worked to destroy incoming threats, while firefighters and rescue crews cleared debris and assessed damage, reflecting the growing intensity of nightly aerial warfare.