Russia forced to reconsider its air defense strategy due to Ukraine's successful strikes - Business Insider

During Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both sides have actively used air defense to protect against drone and missile attacks. However, Ukraine's successful strikes and tactics have led Russia to reevaluate where to place its AD systems, creating new opportunities for Ukrainian attacks on less protected areas.

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Russia does not have enough AD resources to protect all necessary sites, even in supposedly secure areas. George Barros, an analyst at ISW, asserts that Russia’s defense is focused on protecting the most threatened areas, leaving other regions unprotected.

Ukraine continues to strike Russian targets, increasing pressure on the Russian command. Western allies have allowed Ukraine to use its weapons to attack certain military targets in Russia, a shift from the previous limitation to targets within Russian-controlled territories in Ukraine.

Additionally, Ukraine has ramped up its use of drones, striking airfields and oil facilities deep within Russia. Experts note that Ukraine is following a strategy aimed at weakening Russia’s AD, forcing the Russian Air Force either to abandon bases near Ukraine's borders or to concentrate significant AD forces there.

The escalation of strikes is creating tension for Russian AD, particularly in regions like Crimea, which Russia occupied in 2014. Ukraine is deliberately targeting AD systems in Crimea, increasing pressure on Russian forces.

The UK Ministry of Defense stated that Ukraine's attacks on defensive structures in Crimea are weakening Russia's ability to protect the peninsula’s airspace.

Experts believe that the current conflict is increasingly becoming an air defense war, where, despite the pressure, Russia still holds the advantage. However, Ukraine continues to seek a level playing field, aiming to gain permission to use long-range weapons to strike Russian targets deep within the country.

Air Defense in Crimea

Russia has deployed dozens of air defense installations across the peninsula. However, the occupiers frequently relocate them within Crimea.

Ukrainian partisans have repeatedly reported that the invaders are positioning air defense systems near beaches and tourist sites. As a result, vacations on the Crimean Peninsula have become nearly impossible for Russians due to security threats amid the ongoing strikes by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.