**Ukraine’s Air Defense Systems Under Scrutiny**
Experts are warning that Ukraine’s incoming F-16s and Mirage 2000s may be vulnerable to destruction unless the country upgrades its air defense systems. This comes after a recent incident where a Russian reconnaissance drone flew over an airbase in Poltava Oblast, guiding a missile strike on Ukrainian combat aircraft.
**Russia Uses Drones to Guide Missile Strikes**
The use of drones by Russia ahead of missile strikes against Ukraine has become increasingly common. These unmanned aerial vehicles gather vital intelligence and facilitate accurate targeting for subsequent attacks. In the recent incident, a Russian reconnaissance drone reportedly flew over the Aviatorske-Dnipro airbase, about 95 km from the front line.
**Recent Incident: A Ukrainian Airbase Under Attack**
A video shared by Russian propaganda shows a drone targeting a shelter likely housing a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet. Minutes later, an Iskander ballistic missile struck and exploded directly above the shelter, likely destroying the aircraft. This is not the first time Russia has used this tactic to destroy Ukrainian warplanes.
**Ukraine’s Air Defense Systems Criticized**
Experts are criticizing Ukraine for its lack of sufficient air defense systems to secure its airspace, even near military bases. Analysts say that Western F-16s and Mirage 2000s may face a similar fate unless Ukraine significantly improves its air defenses. The recent missile strike on the Myrhorod airbase has already caused public outrage.
**Consequences of Weak Air Defense Systems**
The Russian missile assault on Ukraine has claimed 33 lives and caused 134 injuries, with two hospitals in Kyiv damaged, including a children’s hospital. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted only 30 of 38 missiles. Experts say that if Ukraine doesn’t upgrade its air defense systems, it may not be able to protect its incoming Western jets.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com