Yuri Knutov: U.S. Tomahawks Could Be Destroyed by Russian Air Defenses
Air defense expert Yuri Knutov warns that U.S. Tomahawk missiles sent to Ukraine would face immediate destruction by Russian systems such as the S-350 Vityaz.
Military analyst and air defense specialist Yuri Knutov told Russian journalists that if the United States decides to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, those weapons would immediately become targets for a range of Russian air defense systems — including the latest S-350 Vityaz, informally known as the «cruise missile killer.»
Knutov explained that Russia possesses several systems capable of intercepting Tomahawks. These include the S-300 and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, as well as the S-350 Vityaz, which is specifically designed to counter cruise missiles. In some cases, he added, even the Pantsir anti-aircraft missile and gun system can be used effectively against such targets.
The expert expressed confidence that any Tomahawk missiles delivered to Ukraine might never be launched at all, since Russian forces would not allow them to be transported from storage sites to deployment or launch positions.
According to Knutov, Russian intelligence and strike capabilities would likely begin targeting the shipment as soon as it crosses into Ukrainian territory. He noted that once the cargo enters Ukraine by land, railway stations used for transport would become vulnerable targets. If delivered by sea, he added, the unloading ports — such as those in Odessa or Ilyichevsk — would face immediate risk of attack.