Why tragedy in Dnipro happened

Consider the types of equipment used along the Dnipro:

• 9M727 Iskander-K missile defense system: 1out of 3 was shot down;

• Kh-59/69: 4 out of 4;

• Shahed-131/136: 5 out of 5; 

And, most notably, the Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone... Shot down too late. It was the Orlan-10 reconnaissance UAV that conducted the reconnaissance and guided the strike that led to today's tragedy.

It is worth noting that today was an extremely rare occasion when Russian troops used their Shahed-131/136 during daylight hours. Additionally, we can say that over the past few months, this was the most massive combined strike on a Ukrainian city that is not the capital.

And now for the most unpleasant part: the strike was made possible by the presence of a Russian reconnaissance UAV over the Dnipro. I'm sure tonight or tomorrow we'll see real-time video of these strikes published on Russian platforms.

The reason? Dnipro is not covered by echeloned air defense. We have insufficient means of intercepting small-sized aerial objects.

Dnipro is not equipped with electronic warfare (EW) systems that could suppress UAV data, as we lack EW even for low-level air defense.

Dnipro does not use hunter drones capable of destroying Russian reconnaissance UAVs at altitudes of 5 km or higher.

There is no local group of light aviation pilots in Dnipro like there is in Odessa, who would fly out to intercept reconnaissance UAVs on Yak-52s or other aircraft. Although... this is the most interesting part. Dnipro actually has many professional pilots of light aviation who can operate Yak-52s and other airplanes. So what's the issue?

The problem lies in the fact that some of them are owners of major businesses, others work in banking, and some own stores and boutiques. It's not comfortable for such respected individuals to fly a piston-powered Yak-52 and shoot down Orlan-10s that attack and kill people.

Yes, I know all your names, those who declined to pilot light aviation in Dnipro. When the war ends, expect regular greetings.

Source 

About the author. Oleksandr Kovalenko, Ukrainian military and political observer of the Information Resistance group.

The editors don't always share the opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.