Once evasive automated and human maneuver tactics become routine the path forks to either smaller and faster disposable intercepting flying bombs (“missilization” if you will) or turning the interceptor into a gunship.
This is why larger manned and unmanned helicopters used as part of a distributed air defense are the decisive air defense platform against flying bomb swarms. Attack helicopters already represent an optimized platform for mounting sophisticated radar, communications, EW, turreted direct fire (in the future undoubtedly also direct energy) and launched effects/missile capability into an integrated package.
In the realm of unmanned helicopters the MQ-8 Fire Scout and similar platforms such as the schiebel s-300 and proteus have reached technological and doctrinal maturity as well.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman_MQ-8_Fire_Scout
Multirotor smaller craft undoubtedly have changed warfare forever but in doing so they reemphasize the vital role of helicopters as maximally adaptive tools and center stage their role as protectors of civilian populations from indiscriminate mass flying bomb attacks especially within dense population centers.
It is vital that either the US or another power steps up and provides helicopters (manned or unmanned) to Ukraine as soon as possible if the threat of mass flying bomb attacks is to be defanged.


