Recent news reports have touted Ukraine’s successful use of air defense systems to intercept a Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missile. While impressive, a more unexpected result is that the Ukrainians have likely limited the effectiveness of Russian air defense systems. Both sides have used such systems to protect their ground forces from missiles and air strikes. However, the Ukrainians managed to systematically destroy Russian air defense assets, which the Russians fought to replace. This may play a vital role in the upcoming counteroffensive, allowing the Ukrainians potentially into airspace over Ukraine.
The Russian military has an impressive diversity of air defense systems, and some of its latest systems are capable of shooting down very complicated missile systems. Doctrinally, a battalion tactical organization (BTG), an air defense platoon that includes 2 Strela-10 9A3fourM2 and 2 Tunguska 2S6M anti-aircraft artillery systems (or comparable systems). The 91A3fourM2 Strela-10 has a range of 10 km and carries four 9M33 anti-aircraft guided missiles. The 2S6M Tunguska is more heavily armored and carries 8 9M311 anti-aircraft guided missiles, as well as a 30mm chain gun for low-flying aircraft and helicopters.
It is unlikely that the Russians would have equipped all their equipment with those systems and would have had to rely on older Soviet systems for many of their BTGs; This trend has been observed in many of its device platforms. Older Soviet aircraft are more vulnerable to Ukrainian jamming, which alters the radar system’s ability to detect and target aircraft. In addition, they are less armored and less mobile, making it less difficult for the Ukrainians to locate and destroy them.
Regardless, Russian air defense systems proved effective in the 2014 Crimean War. These systems temporarily closed airspace in and around Crimea to Ukrainian forces, although the exact number of downed Ukrainian aircraft is unknown. The Russians also allegedly provided anti-aircraft resources to insurgent teams in Donbass who later shot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH117.
Throughout the existing war, neither side has managed to gain air superiority. As the war focused on the Donbass region, both sides were able to identify a physically powerful air defense network that limited air operations. As such, ground forces have not been able to deliver close air or other air support. These systems, effective against aircraft, were only partially effective against missiles and drones. Although the Ukrainians managed to intercept some Shahed-136 missiles and drones, a gigantic number of them still hit their targets. Meanwhile, the Ukrainians were able to make several moves with drones and missiles opposing the Russian forces.
The Ukrainians have been systematically attacking Russian air defense systems since the beginning of the war. The following figure compiles the number of Russian air defense systems destroyed or captured during the war, based on open-source photographs collected through Oryxspioenkop. com. The Russians suffered a gigantic number of casualties early in the war, during the first failed invasion attempt. Since the initial invasion, the rate of destruction of Russian air defense systems has remained relatively constant. The 130 destroyed systems would constitute a significant component of Russian air defense assets in Ukraine. Russia is unlikely to have the ability to make up for those losses with fashionable air defense equipment, as it will have to rely on outdated Soviet equipment.
The Ukrainians also suffered significant losses in their air defense formulas, with the loss of 103 formulas. All these formulas date at most from the Soviet era, and at most date from the beginning of the war. In addition, they lack ammunition, much of which is produced through Russia. However, Ukraine’s air defense functions are being bolstered thanks to NATO assistance, adding the formula of the Patriot missile that is believed to have shot down a Kinzhal missile.
A significant indicator of the decline of Russian air defense systems is the inclusion of Hydra-70 missiles in the U. S. military’s recent aid package to Ukraine. The aid package includes aircraft that are expected to be used in the counteroffensive, adding a significant amount of ammunition. such as small arms, artillery shells, TOW missiles, and HIMAR missiles. Hydra-70 missiles are air-to-ground missiles commonly used aboard U. S. helicopters and aircraft to supply nearby air. Although there is a hypothesis that those missiles can only be used on drones or floor vehicles, they will most likely become accustomed to the resurgence of Ukrainian air equipment by offering airArray close
The war in Ukraine is an example of a study of the role of generation on the modern battlefield. Air warfare was expected to play a very important role in the war; However, the air defense apparatus played a vital role in preventing either side from accessing the airspace. As the war continues, NATO’s new Ukrainian air defense capabilities, coupled with the destruction of Russian air defense assets, may lead the Ukrainians to open their airspace as their counteroffensive looms.
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