Russia alters strike tactics on Ukraine: Expert explains

The Russian occupiers are increasing the number of ballistic missiles launched at Ukrainian cities, highlighting the urgent need for more air defense systems.

Aviation expert Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi commented on the situation In an interview with Ukrainian Radio.

«The enemy is deploying a large number of aerial weapons. During the massive strike on November 8, 32 ballistic missiles were used. This is a crucial indicator, as it shows that the enemy is indeed increasing the number of ballistic launches against Ukraine, ” he said.

The expert cited that around 95 Iskander-M missiles hit Ukraine in October.

«And it is important to understand that, for example, in the area covered by the Patriot air defense systems, their effectiveness was 67 percent. This is not exactly „wow,“ because if it were 70–80 percent, one could say that the air defense systems were working reliably, ” Khrapchynskyi noted.

According to him, this is because the enemy targets a large number of locations, actively gathers intelligence, and identifies potential weaknesses. He explains:

«For example, if an air defense system is positioned somewhere in the Kyiv region with only two launchers, the enemy understands how many missiles can get through. They know how many will be intercepted and how many cannot be intercepted because the time needed for reloading or redeployment does not allow it. That is why the enemy exploits these weak points and, through sheer numbers, breaks through our air defenses.»

Khrapchynskyi adds that the same applies to Shaheds. For instance, a mobile fire group can operate in one direction against a single Shahed drone as it approaches.

«And imagine if they come from several directions. There are simply not enough systems that can engage Shaheds simultaneously. That shortage of air defense systems is the key reason why some drones still get through. This is why the President stated that Ukraine needs 27 more Patriot systems. It is also why solutions against Shaheds are being sought, because their numbers are very large, and shooting them down with expensive missiles is wasteful, ” the aviation expert explained.