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lagged behind. Moreover, according to the
Obozrevatel server, they still struggle to start
mass production of their version called Gerań
and continue to depend on supplies from Iran.
They are trying to test a new tactic at least. After
mobile teams with anti-aircraft machine guns
proved effective against Shahids, the Russians
started sending them over impassable terrain
– such as dense forests or swamps. Cars with
machine guns have a lower chance of catching
them. However, changing routes only extended
the lifespan of Shahids in the Ukrainian sky,
but it did not affect their success. There was
a case when a Shahid flew over Ukraine for
a full nine hours. However, as soon as the drones
approach heavily defended targets, they are shot
down.
Iranian kamikaze drones also do not help
weaken Ukrainian defenses because Ukraine
does not use its most valuable missiles against
them. The only benefit Russians get from them is
that they help map the positions of air defenses.
They can use this information in planning missile
attacks. One unpleasant consequence for
Ukraine during the observed period occurred in
the Kherson region, where an important radar
was revealed during a drone attack. Since it did
not change its position, it was soon destroyed by
the Russians.
FrankenSAM Program
However, Ukraine and its allies are not sitting
idle in anticipation of the expected winter wave of
Russian attacks. Germany has been particularly
active, delivering another IRIS
-
T system and
promising a Patriot system. Norway has also
pledged additional NASAMS systems. In the case
of IRIS
-
T, it is the most modern German air defense
system, which Ukraine received even before the
German armed forces. The first system arrived
in October of the previous year, and the second
was delivered in April. In both cases, it was
the SLM medium-range version with a range of
40 km horizontally and 20 km vertically. In August,
Ukraine received two systems in the short-range
SLS version with a range of 12 km horizontally
and vertically. The fifth delivered IRIS
-
T system
is again in the SLM version.
The delivery of the first Patriot battery was
announced by the USA a year ago in December.
Germany delivered the second battery. Initially,
both were deployed to defend Kyiv. Currently,
one battery is stationed near the capital, and the
other is near Odessa. Germany announced in the
fall that it would deliver a third Patriot system
battery to Ukraine during the winter.
Approximately a year ago, the USA initiated
a program unofficially called FrankenSAM.
The last three letters stand for Surface-to-air
missile, symbolizing the merging of various
elements of different air defense systems
into a new, consolidated one. This program
The wreckage of the Ka-52 helicopter appeared in a private museum at Oreškovo airport in the Russian Kaluga region.
The corvette Askold was destroyed by Storm Shadow
missiles in the port of Kerch in Crimea.
Against drones, Ukrainians use everything from machine guns to portable missiles (MANPADS)
and anti-aircraft tanks Gepard.
Ukrainian defenders respond to a night attack
by Shahid drones.
HISTORY
INFO Eduard34
January 2024