Western air defence systems crucial for Ukraine: ISW

Western supply of air defence systems and missiles is crucial for Ukraine's war effort against the Russian invasion, the Institute for the Study of War has assessed.  

The US-made Patriot air defence system.

Capt. Aaron Smith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The US think tank said on Monday that Ukraine and Russia were currently engaged in a "tactical and technological" race.

Both Kyiv and Moscow are "constantly experimenting and adapting their long-range strikes and air defenses," according to the ISW.

Western-provided air defence systems have been "essential to Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian missiles, particularly ballistic missiles," US experts noted. 

They stressed that such equipment remains "crucial for Ukraine."   

The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing.

The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 05 January 2023.

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— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 6, 2024

Western air defence systems and air defence missiles will be also "essential to protecting Ukraine’s growing defence industrial base," as Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian industrial facilities, the ISW assessed.

In its latest air attack, Russia on Monday fired dozens of missiles against Ukraine, killing at least four civilians and injuring 45, according to news outlets.

Tuesday is day 685 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.

Source: ISW, war.ukraine.ua, The Kyiv Independent