Syrsky on operation of air defense: In difficult weather conditions, anti-aircraft missile forces remain most effective means

The Ukrainian Defense Forces are implementing a range of countermeasures to destroy air targets in adverse weather conditions, with anti-aircraft missile forces remaining the most effective, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrsky said during a meeting with journalists on Thursday.

The commander-in-chief noted that the enemy uses 100 to 200 Shahed-type attack UAVs daily and periodically carries out massive missile and air strikes.

"In difficult weather conditions, the anti-aircraft missile forces, which are all-weather, remain the primary and most effective means," he emphasized.

As Syrsky noted, in favorable weather conditions, aircraft, helicopters, and interceptor drones are actively deployed.

"This allows us to destroy 70%, and sometimes even more, of all airborne attack assets," he said.

According to Syrsky, a series of organizational measures to improve the effectiveness of the unmanned air defense component are also ongoing. Specifically, a redistribution of functions is planned between the anti-aircraft missile forces and a new branch of the armed forces responsible for protecting important facilities.

At the same time, the number and quality of interceptor drones is being increased, the commander-in-chief added.

Furthermore, cooperation with partners on providing missiles for anti-aircraft missile systems and fighter aircraft continues to maintain the required level of air defense capabilities, Syrsky noted.