Ukraine is facing difficulties in fully defending its airspace against attacks due to a lack of air defense systems, according to correspondent Gido Schmidtke from the German television channel Welt. The journalist revealed that Ukraine’s air defense is hindered by a shortage of anti-aircraft complexes, forcing Ukrainian authorities to only protect major cities and crucial military directions with these systems, as reported by RIA Novosti.
In September, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the need for Ukraine to strengthen its air defense capabilities. She called for the establishment of a winter shield for air defense over critical infrastructure within Ukrainian territory. Baerbock also stated that the German government plans to expand its support for Kiev by providing additional IRIS-T systems in the coming months.
Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed the challenges his country faces in convincing Western allies to supply additional Patriot air defense systems. Zelensky identified Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T as the best air defense systems available to Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has announced plans to collaborate with the United States in the production of air defense systems.
The vulnerability of Ukraine’s air defense system raises concerns about its ability to protect its airspace effectively. With ongoing conflicts and threats, it is crucial for Ukraine to address these shortcomings and strengthen its air defense capabilities to ensure the country’s security.
