Ukrainian Navy explains importance of striking Pantsir systems in Crimea
Photo: Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system (Getty Images)
Ukrainian defense forces recently struck two Pantsir systems in Crimea, among other targets. Each successful hit on enemy air defense opens up new opportunities for strikes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, states Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy.
Strikes on air defense in Crimea
Ukraine recently struck two Pantsir complexes and an enemy fire group in Crimea, as well as a drone control point in the Zaporizhzhia region and a warehouse in the Luhansk region. Pletenchuk stated that these actions are crucial for future Armed Forces of Ukraine operations.
According to the Navy spokesperson, even Russian propagandists occasionally admit that not all Russian military airfields have adequate protection. He noted that dozens of Pantsir systems are deployed solely to protect the residence of Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Valdai.
"There is a deficit—firstly. Secondly, the production of these air defense systems is expensive and complex due to the large number of foreign components. Production must keep pace with loss rates, which are high, leading to this deficit," Pletenchuk explained.
The destruction of each enemy air defense unit is highly significant, the spokesperson emphasized. The next stage will involve striking the target that the system was protecting.
Pletenchuk also clarified that Pantsir systems are not engineering perfection and have certain flaws.
As the military official stressed, every destroyed air defense installation opens new possibilities for the Defense Forces. After all, an air defense system does not protect itself; behind it lie other high-value targets.
In early November, Ukrainian defense forces struck several military facilities of Russian occupiers in the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea, as well as in the Zaporizhzhia and Luhansk regions.
Specifically, two Pantsir-S2 anti-aircraft missile and gun complexes were hit.
Additionally, on October 8 and during the night of October 9, Ukrainian defense forces struck a Pantsir-S1 system, a drone launch site, and Russian army support facilities.
