Russian troops explore Ukrainian air defense capabilities — ISW

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.

Analysts believe that the Russians probably spent months experimenting and testing Ukrainian air defense with different weapon systems, attack routes, and air defense mitigation tactics to implement new tactics for air attacks on Ukraine.

At the same time, Ukrainian air defense forces likely adapted to Russian tactics during Ukraine's massive attack on December 29, 2023, and were able to effectively repel the Russian air attack on January 2.

“Russian strikes on Ukraine are part of an ongoing tactical and technological offense-defense race wherein both sides are constantly experimenting and adapting to the other, particularly in the realm of long-range strikes and air defense. Western aid to Ukraine remains crucial as Russian forces will likely continue to experiment and innovate new ways to penetrate Ukrainian air defenses,” analysts emphasize.

• On the evening and night of January 2, the Russians launched attack drones on Ukrainian territory after the daytime attack: air defense systems were operating in the Kyiv and Mykolaiv regions. Later, it became known that the Defense Forces destroyed all 35 attack drones that attacked Ukraine. 

• Later, the Russian invaders attacked Ukraine from strategic aviation. A series of explosions occurred in Kyiv and Kharkiv. The attacks resulted in dead and wounded people and destroyed buildings. The Ukrainian Air Defense Forces destroyed 72 of the 99 Russian missiles: among them were 10 Kinzhal air defense missiles and 3 Kalibr cruise missiles.