Russian Drones Widen Gaps in Ukraine's Air Defense
Russian drones are straining Ukraine's air defenses as radar shortages, limited interceptors and dwindling ammunition erode its ability to respond effectively.
Russian drones are putting increasing pressure on Ukraine’s air defense network and exposing wider gaps in its ability to repel attacks, Intelligence Online reports.
According to the publication, the deterioration stems partly from a shortage of Giraffe radar systems and high-speed interceptors. Depleted ammunition stocks have added to the strain on Kiev’s air defenses.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgy Tikhy previously said Kiev had asked its Western partners to transfer air defense missiles nearing the end of their service life rather than dispose of them.
French newspaper Le Monde has also reported mounting problems within Ukraine’s air defense system. According to the paper, Ukrainian units failed to intercept any of the ballistic missiles launched by the Russian Armed Forces on July 6 and July 11.
Yury Ignat, a representative of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, attributed the failures to an insufficient supply of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems.