Ukraine's ingenious air defense strategy triples Russian aircraft losses

Since February 17, 2024, Ukrainian forces have successfully shot down at least 13 Russian aircraft in just under two weeks. This achievement, as reported by The Telegraph, might be attributed to a "cunning technique" that has played a significant role in these victories, including the destruction of the A-50 reconnaissance aircraft.

According to The Telegraph, throughout two years of conflict, Russian forces have averaged a loss of four aircraft per month. However, the losses last month could have at least tripled. This increase is attributed not only to the heightened operations of the Russian air force but also to the advancements in Ukrainian air defense capabilities.

"The Ukrainians have discovered a cunning technique to utilize their most powerful missile," we learn. The defense forces ingeniously prepared components of the American Patriot missile batteries. This preparation enabled the successful takedown of, among other targets, an early-warning aircraft A-50, which, in theory, should have been out of reach for the Ukrainian defense systems due to their conventional weapon range.

It's worth noting that, as highlighted by The Telegraph, the A-50 crashed in the Sea of Azov region on February 23. This incident occurred roughly 155 miles from the frontline, a distance beyond the reach of the Ukrainian Patriot system's missile capability. Nonetheless, another weapon system with sufficient range exists, but "original Soviet radars typically emit so much energy that they detect an incoming missile launch early, allowing targeted pilots to evade," we discover.

The S-200 system, which was retired in 2013, has made a comeback. After a decade, some units were reintroduced into service, so since 2023, Ukrainian forces are likely employing them as ground-to-air missiles. The challenge of their outdated radar capability was met with a solution in the military aid package announced by Joe Biden in 2023, which included an intriguing component. This component is "equipment designed for the integration of Western launchers, missiles, and air defense radars with Ukrainian systems."

The Telegraph suggests that this component might be the Integrated Battle Command System (IBSC) developed by Northrop Grumman. "This system comprises processors, radio connections, and algorithms that enable the collaboration of nearly any air defense radar and missile type," we learn. Consequently, the Ukrainian air forces were able to create a network linking their sensors (including those from the Patriot system) with the S-200. This innovative integration, believed to have played a part in taking down the A-50, results in a hybrid defense capability unparalleled even by the USA.

It is important to note that the S-200 is a long-range air defense system capable of engaging targets up to about 186 miles away and at altitudes of up to 25 miles. The system employs a shrapnel warhead and has seen several upgrades over the years, including enhancements to jamming resistance and the capability for launch without tracking.