Ukraine destroys 12 Russian SAM systems in April

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces have reported destroying 12 Russian surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems in the first two weeks of April 2026. This marks the latest tally in a systematic air defense attrition campaign that began in late 2025 and has sharply accelerated this year. The operations involve specialized units such as Madyar's Birds and the 1st Separate, targeting Russian air defenses to degrade their capabilities. The campaign aims to weaken Russia's integrated air defense network, potentially creating opportunities for future Ukrainian offensives.