Ukrainian air defense effectively adapts to Russian strikes - ISW
Photo: Ukrainian air defense forces are adapting to Russian missile attacks (Air Force of the ZSU/Facebook)
Neutralizing over 20 enemy missiles by Ukrainian air defense forces using electronic warfare means demonstrates the implementation of innovative technologies in countering missile strikes from the Russian Federation, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The report reminded that during the latest large-scale attack, Ukrainian military disabled over 20 missiles through "active countermeasures by means of electronic warfare." ISW experts note that this could showcase Ukrainian EW capabilities, usually attributed to disrupting Russian drones but not missile systems.
Furthermore, the report highlights that ISW had previously assessed Russia's missile strikes on Ukraine and Ukrainian adaptation to counter new Russian strike complexes as part of a broader tactical and technological race between offensive and defensive forces, including long-range aviation and air defense means.
"Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson Yurii Ihnat noted that the Russian strike package used on January 13 was similar to the strike package that Russian forces used on January 8 and in previous recent strikes—suggesting that Ukrainian forces may be able to discern patterns in recurring Russian strike packages and innovate and adapt accordingly," states the ISW report.
Massive shelling of Ukraine on January 13
On the morning of January 13, Russian occupiers launched a coordinated rocket attack on Ukraine using various types of missiles. The aggressor's military released cruise missiles from Tu-95MS aircraft, anti-ship missiles X-22/32 from Tu-22M3 bombers, and air-launched ballistic missiles Kinzhals from MiG-31K interceptors.
A total of 40 aerial attack incidents were recorded. The air defense forces successfully intercepted 8 missiles, while over 20 projectiles failed to reach their targets.
Notably, out of the six air-launched Kinzhals aimed at Ukraine, three did not hit their intended objectives. The impacts were observed in the Dnipro, Poltava, and Sumy regions, with missile debris reported in Chernihiv.
For more details on the extensive attack on January 13, refer to this article.
