Russian propagandists unwittingly confirm critical gaps in air defense

Military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko discussed the issue on his Telegram channel.

According to him, a recent Russian propaganda segment inadvertently exposed a critical vulnerability in Moscow's short-range air defense capabilities.

The report, which intended to glorify the crew of an Osa air defense system from the 74th Motorized Rifle Brigade, instead showed the missile system armed with unrecognized munitions. Kovalenko identified these not as the standard, upgraded 9M33M3 missiles, but as the original 9M33 variant, a model first produced in 1971.

The expert asserts that the only logical reason for deploying these antiquated missiles is the "total depletion" of modern 9M33M3 stockpiles. This development comes despite assurances from Russia's Kalashnikov concern in 2023 that it was actively ramping up production of the modern missiles and opening new workshops to ensure the "sky would be covered."

Kovalenko noted that in reality, it appears Russian forces are now being forced to "pull Soviet 9M33s from dusty... basements."

He argued that this ammo shortage for the Osa system, a problem Ukraine has already faced and adapted to, signals a growing weakness. As Russia begins to exhaust this component of its air defense, Kovalenko concluded, "for the Russian sky, it will get worse, [and] there will be more holes."