Evgeniy Khmara visits Ukraine’s air defense units to discuss strengthening protection of the skies
Minister of Defence of Ukraine Evgeniy Khmara visited surface-to-air missile forces command posts of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and positions of direct air defense cover units.
The Minister of Defence emphasized that developing air defense begins with the experience of those who protect the skies every day.
Integrating different air defense systems in Ukraine
Evgeniy Khmara discussed with air defense personnel their experience in operating NASAMS and IRIS-T systems, as well as ways to integrate different air defense assets into a single combat command-and-control system.
Ukraine’s military is mastering foreign systems and improving them based on the combat experience it has gained. One area of work is combining different surface-to-air missile systems into a single tactical network to protect the skies more effectively.
We discussed how different surface-to-air missile systems can work together. We are working on an implementation plan. Ukrainian service members use this equipment every day and know best what can be improved. We are studying their experience and determining the need for specific types of surface-to-air guided missiles. Together with our partners, we are looking for ways to increase supplies of the weapons we need.
Robotic turrets for air defense cover against Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones
The Minister of Defence also visited positions of the Command of the Direct Air Defense Cover Forces.
He discussed the combat capabilities of robotic turrets with service members. The turrets have already shot down Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones.
We have specific proposals from the military. The effectiveness of interceptions can be improved by using the appropriate types of ammunition. Our task is to expand the use of combat-proven solutions and ensure that all air defense assets work in a coordinated way.
Particular attention was given to service members’ safety, including additional protective measures and the support needed from the Ministry of Defence.
