Protection of Ukraine's energy system: how drone attacks with 90 kg of explosives are blocked.

According to inkorr.com: As of mid-October 2025, the head of the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure, Serhiy Sukhomlyn, reported that the work on protecting large substations of 330 kV and 750 kV has been completed by 95-98%. This is significantly more than in the same period last year when the results ranged from 60% to 80%.

Sukhomlyn noted that additional protective screens need to be installed for some energy facilities, but the process is complicated by the disconnection of Ukrenergo transformers. There was also a case of damage to the anti-drone net, but the concrete protection remained intact, saving the transformers from debris.

“To dispel skeptical evaluations, I will cite a telling example. In Ukraine, there is a substation where the enemy launched up to 20 Shaheds a day. Of these, on average five or six hit the target. The anti-detonation screen (the 'anti-drone net') was damaged. However, the concrete protection remained unscathed, thereby protecting the transformers from debris,” emphasized Sukhomlyn.

According to Sukhomlyn, earlier occupiers launched Shaheds with a payload of 40-50 kg, whereas now enemy drones are capable of carrying up to 90 kg of explosives. In establishing the protection of energy facilities, it is important to consider the new capabilities of the enemy, which seeks to intensify its strikes.

Activity in Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions

Currently, the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regional military administrations are actively involved in the work of protecting substations at 110 kV and 150 kV. In the Zaporizhzhia region, 12 priority facilities have already been identified, where the main focus is placed on protecting substations that supply large neighborhoods and infrastructure.

Thanks to new technologies, Ukrainian energy substations are becoming more protected from potential terrorist attacks using large drones. The military and energy workers are actively working on improving security systems to ensure the stability of energy supply in the country.

The work on ensuring the protection of energy facilities is of utmost importance for ensuring energy security. In light of the constant threat from the enemy, organizing reliable protection becomes a priority for state bodies involved in restoring infrastructure.