Ukrainian defense forces strike Russian targets with Western missiles. Serhiy Zgurets' column

Ukraine strikes Kamensky Plant and Novoshakhtinsk Oil Refinery

Using British and French cruise missiles, as well as American ATACMS tactical missiles, Ukrainian Defense Forces are capable of striking Russian targets not only in the Kursk region. It has been practically proven that any taboo, if it ever existed, has been lifted, as demonstrated by the Rostov region. Two days ago, a combined missile strike using Storm Shadow, SCALP, and ATACMS cruise missiles targeted the Kamensky plant, located 170 km from the current front line. Several videos from local residents recorded what appeared to be the work of air defense systems and explosions at the plant. Explosions were observed despite the presence of S-400 air defense systems and Pantsir complexes guarding the facility. The target is highly significant, as the Kamensky plant produces solid fuel for rockets used in "Uragan," "Smerch," and "Tornado-S" munitions. There is also information that fuel from this plant was supplied for the Iskander ballistic missiles. Additionally, the plant was expanding its capabilities, and there is a possibility that it was producing fuel for the Yars missiles. In any case, the strike on the Kamensky plant is extremely important and effective. While the plant covers a large area, a mass missile strike on specific critical sections can disrupt the missile production chain for a certain period.

Yesterday, the Defense Forces struck the Novoshakhtinsk Refinery, located 160 km from the front line in the Rostov region. Critical sections of the facility, including the primary oil processing unit, were hit. The refinery is vital for Russia as it supplies fuel and lubricants to Russian forces, including diesel and gasoline. Ukraine's General Staff reported that the attack was carried out by the Ukrainian Navy and the SBU, meaning Neptune missiles, currently in the Navy’s arsenal, were used, along with long-range drones available to Ukraine's Defense Forces. This is not the first strike on the Novoshakhtinsk refinery. In 2022, the facility was targeted by drones purchased by Ukraine from China. This is the second attack on the refinery in the second half of 2024.

UK allocates another package of military aid to Ukraine

It is interesting to note that the strike on the Kamensky plant occurred during the visit of the British Defense Secretary to Ukraine. Storm Shadow missiles were used in the attack on the plant. At that time, the UK announced a new military aid package worth over $286 million. This package includes new resources and capabilities for the Ukrainian Navy, such as small missile boats, maritime drones, and electronic warfare systems. This package is designed to significantly enhance Ukraine's technological capabilities.

U.S. hosts meeting of electronic intelligence and electronic warfare manufacturers

Military expert and editor of Ukrainian Defense Review at Defense Express, Anton Mikhnenko, provided detailed insights into the Association of Old Crows. According to the expert, the association consists of former military personnel who worked in the fields of radio-electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare. They have united to form the association and brought together companies involved in the development and production of electronic warfare systems. The association also organizes events worldwide, primarily in Europe and North America, focusing on enterprises from the democratic world. Additionally, companies that do not meet certain control standards are not allowed to join the association.

Anton Mikhnenko explained that Ukrainian companies were present at a recent Association of Old Crows event in the United States. The event took place in Washington last week, marking the final stage of a series of meetings held in Europe and other countries. The event featured and united manufacturers primarily from North America, though representatives from South Korea, Japan, Australia, and some European countries were also present.

Global manufacturers are closely monitoring Russian-Ukrainian war trends

Anton Mikhnenko shared that the representatives of the Association of Old Crows are closely monitoring the trends in the war in Ukraine. They are observing the rapid development of technologies in Ukraine, particularly the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the effective application of electronic warfare systems. At the same time, Western company representatives remain confident that they are still ahead in technological development. Mikhnenko noted that this confidence can be somewhat concerning, as Ukrainian manufacturers often present very interesting solutions to their American and European partners - solutions that are not available to the Europeans and Americans. Specifically, the company Infozahyst from Ukraine presented a range of intriguing solutions in the field of electronic reconnaissance at this meeting. Despite the significant interest in these solutions from the Ukrainian company, foreign representatives remain convinced that they are technologically superior.

Mikhnenko confirmed that Western companies are drawing conclusions based on the Russian-Ukrainian war, particularly in the fields of electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare (EW). Companies that supplied products to support Ukraine's Defense Forces as part of logistical assistance are receiving feedback. After obtaining this feedback, these companies make adjustments and improve the products they sell on their domestic markets. Sometimes, these companies even use PR to highlight that their systems were used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the war, which allows them to promote their products in Europe and the U.S. and secure multi-billion-dollar contracts. However, as Mikhnenko pointed out, Western products that performed well at the beginning of the war have gradually lost their effectiveness. While these products still sell fairly well in Europe and the U.S., they are no longer effective in the current conditions of the war against Ukraine.

He added that Western manufacturers are not drawing key conclusions from the Russo-Ukrainian war. The dynamics of the processes on the battlefield are very fast, and decisions made six months ago are already outdated today. Ukraine's partners often lag behind in this regard. One of the current issues is the use of artificial intelligence in electronic reconnaissance systems.

The military expert shared that during the event, the Head of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Electronic Warfare and Cybersecurity, Ivan Pavlenko, also gave a speech. He discussed Ukraine's experience, outlined the current challenges, and emphasized that while the solutions provided by Ukraine's partners are unique and have potential, there is a need for much faster progress in the development of electronic warfare. Pavlenko noted that the systems produced by partners must prove their effectiveness on the battlefield, as simply creating a good model and claiming it works well is not enough.