The Ukrainian Air Force is receiving a separate branch of unmanned air defense systems. Its task is to close the «rear dome» over cities and critical infrastructure, complementing tactical aviation and air defense systems.
The Ukrainian Air Force is receiving a separate branch of unmanned air defense systems. Its task is to close the «rear dome» over cities and critical infrastructure, complementing tactical aviation and air defense systems.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, announced the start of the formation of the «drone» air defense component at a press conference, writes «Militarny».
According to the commander-in-chief, a command has already been created for the new type and units with interceptor drones are being deployed that will hunt for long-range UAVs of the Shahed type. «We are already using them, increasing the number of radar stations, increasing the number, and training personnel,» said Syrsky. According to current estimates, anti-aircraft drones of Ukrainian and foreign production demonstrate an effectiveness of defeating Shaheds at a level of 70% and above.
The new air defense link is integrated into a multi-level defense system: the first interception line runs along the front line, followed by mobile groups with three-coordinate tactical radars and interceptors. Such radars are compact, camouflaged and deployed by the crew on pickup trucks, which allows you to quickly create autonomous lines in the field and independently ensure the detection and destruction of targets.
The key «expendable part» of drone air defense is radar. In June, Syrskyi stated the shortage of tactical radars as the main obstacle to scaling up UAV units: «there are only a few, but hundreds are needed.» At the same time, Ukraine has launched its own production of such systems: although their radius is smaller than that of Western counterparts, they are optimized for UAV interception tasks, are easier for operators to operate, and are more stable in field conditions.
Massive attacks by Russian UAVs have forced the Armed Forces of Ukraine to build a «mosaic» air defense: long-range SAMs cover large targets, and gaps are closed by mobile groups with interceptors, electronic warfare, and tactical radars. The formation of a separate type of unmanned air defense systems institutionalizes this approach and creates permanent headquarters, training, and logistics for rapid capacity building.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how the Defense Forces struck Russian oil export infrastructure in the Black Sea using naval drones. The drone attack suspended the loading of oil tankers.
