Discussions regarding the activities of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are attracting the attention of defense experts and government officials. Measures taken to increase the effectiveness of air defense and existing problems have caused public interest. This topic is of great importance, especially in a state of war, in terms of ensuring the country's security.
Redaksiya reports that Anatoli Khrapchinski, development director of a defense enterprise and a retired Air Force officer, shared his views on the activities of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Radio NV. While expressing dissatisfaction with the work of the Air Force, he also spoke about the opportunities provided to them. Khrapchinski noted that as a result of steps taken at the beginning of the 25th year, we are starting to demand increased or improved capabilities from the Air Force at the beginning of the 26th year.
Khrapchinski also emphasized that the technical capabilities of enemy strike drones have significantly improved. Russia's active use of "Shahed" drones for intelligence gathering allows them to bypass air defense systems or other defense systems, making their interception difficult. The expert touched upon the deficiencies in the work of mobile fire groups (MFGs), recalling that previously personnel were transferred from MFGs to the Ground Forces. According to Khrapchinski, there is a shortage of high-tech weapons, particularly radar or other detection means that would help with more accurate targeting. He stated that the enemy actively uses adverse weather conditions to work directly with "Shahed" drones in clouds, thereby eliminating the possibility of visual detection of these "Shaheds." The President of Ukraine noted that regional heads, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine must ensure the additional strengthening of the MFG component in the overall defense system of certain regions. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had stated that mobile fire groups would be strengthened in the near future to more effectively counter Russian air attacks.