«Oreshnik» bypasses current defenses: Experts reveal what Ukraine truly needs

For effective protection against modern missile threats, specifically Russian systems like the «Oreshnik,» Ukraine requires a multi-layered air defense system and the development of space technologies.

This was stated by the Editor-in-Chief of Defense Express, Oleh Katkov, on air at «Kyiv 24.»

According to him, intercepting such missiles requires specialized systems.

«To intercept such objects at altitudes of 200–400 kilometers, ground-based systems like the Arrow-3 or SM-3 are required, which must be in constant combat readiness,» the expert noted.

He said that the aviation component is ineffective in this case.

«Air-based interceptors are impractical because aircraft cannot provide 24-hour duty in the air,» Katkov explained.

The key element of protection, according to him, must be an early warning system. This refers to satellites that allow for the instantaneous detection of missile launches and the calculation of trajectories for their interception.

Creation of Ukrainian Space Forces — what we know

Against this backdrop, the creation of Ukraine’s own Space Forces is being discussed. MP Fedir Venislavskyi stated that the Verkhovna Rada must consider bills on the creation of Space and Cyber Forces as soon as possible. According to him, these documents have already been prepared but have not yet been placed on the parliament’s agenda.

Venislavskyi noted that standing up Space Forces would allow Ukraine to track «Oreshnik» ballistic launches in real-time and alert the public. Meanwhile, the military would concurrently develop kinetic intercept capabilities for such targets.