As of mid-October 2025, the head of the State Agency for Reconstruction and Infrastructure Development, Serhiy Sukhomlyn, reported that the implementation of protective measures at large substations of 330 kV and 750 kV has reached 95-98%. This is significantly higher than during the same period last year, when the figures ranged from 60% to 80%.
Sukhomlyn noted that some energy facilities need to install additional protective screens, but the process is complicated by the shutdown of Ukrenergo transformers. There was also a case where an anti-drone net was damaged, but the concrete protection remained intact, saving the transformers from debris.
«To dispel skeptical assessments, I will provide a striking example. There is a substation in Ukraine that was attacked by the enemy with up to 20 Shaheds in a single day. On average, five to six reached their target. The anti-detonation screen («anti-drone net») was damaged. However, the concrete protection remained intact, which saved the transformers from debris,» - emphasized Sukhomlyn.
According to Sukhomlyn, in previous years, the occupiers launched Shaheds with a payload of 40-50 kg, but now enemy drones can carry up to 90 kg of explosives. When implementing protective measures for energy facilities, these new capabilities of the enemy, who is trying to increase the damage potential, must be considered.
Currently, the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regional military administrations have actively joined the work on the protection of 110 kV and 150 kV substations. In particular, in the Zaporizhzhia region, 12 priority facilities have already been identified, which focus on protecting substations that supply large neighborhoods and infrastructure.
Ukrainian energy substations are becoming more protected against possible terrorist attacks using large payload drones. Equipped with new technologies, Ukrainian military and energy specialists are actively working to improve security systems to ensure the stability of the country's energy supply.