Syrskyi explains factors behind Ukraine’s air defense effectiveness

Over the last two years, the country’s air defense system has achieved an effectiveness rate of approximately 74%, said Ukraine’s Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Difficult conditions and daily strikes

Syrskyi said the air defense system is operating under extremely challenging circumstances with constant attacks, and the enemy deploys large amounts of weaponry every day.

«Daily, the enemy uses 100 to 200 „Shahed“ drones and occasionally carries out mass missile and air strikes, ” Syrskyi said.

He explained that surface-to-air missile units remain the primary defense in adverse weather, while aircraft and interceptor drones are deployed when conditions allow. This enables the destruction of «70 percent, and sometimes more, of all incoming air threats, ” the commander said.

«Sustaining the system under these conditions relies on several factors: steady supply of munitions, technological capability, effective personnel and command decisions, the ability to rapidly adapt to new threats, and abandoning outdated bureaucratic practices, ” Syrskyi added.

Restructuring and interceptor drones

The Commander-in-Chief announced a package of measures to enhance defense efficiency. He said functions will be redistributed among units.

«There are plans to reassign responsibilities between surface-to-air missile forces and a new branch that will cover key sites, ” Syrskyi said.

He also noted that the quantity and quality of interceptor drones is being scaled up. To address the shortage of missiles for air defense systems and fighter aircraft, active cooperation with international partners is underway, the Armed Forces chief concluded.