NewsUkraine's air defense struggles against rising Russian missile attacks

Ukraine's air defense struggles against rising Russian missile attacks

As of May 2023, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted up to 80 percent of Russian missiles. A year later, this performance declined, leaving Kyiv grappling with increased attacks on cities and villages. Facing this challenge, Ukraine is urgently seeking more air defense systems and ammunition from Western allies, which are crucial for protecting its citizens.

Ukraine has a big problem. It asks the West for help.

Images source: © Getty Images | Anadolu

JAR

9:21 AM EDT, May 14, 2024

According to The Wall Street Journal, Ukrainian air defenses have only intercepted 30 percent of missiles launched by Russian forces in The last month. This marks a significant drop in efficiency, considering that over the past six months, the interception rate averaged 46 percent—a stark contrast to the 73 percent success rate in the prior six-month period.

Interestingly, the situation is somewhat brighter with drone defense. The Wall Street Journal notes that the success rate in intercepting drones has only slightly decreased, maintaining an average of 82 percent over the last six months.

Ukraine's increasing difficulties stem from the sheer volume of attacks. In the past six months, Russia has escalated missile and drone attacks by 45 percent compared to the preceding six months.

Amid this surge, Ukraine is reportedly depleting its ammunition for Patriot defense systems, which are historically one of its most reliable shields against such assaults, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Kyiv's plea for urgent Western support intensifies

With growing concern, Ukraine is pressing its Western allies for additional air defense systems and ammunition. Complicating matters, Russia has adapted its strategies, launching more complex and intense barrages, including ballistic, maneuvering, and hypersonic missiles concurrently.

Ukraine urgently needs advanced Western air defense systems and the ammunition they require. This includes not only long-range systems like the Patriot and Iris-T but also smaller setups capable of thwarting missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian urban areas.