ISLAMABAD: Russia plans to overhaul its air defence troops after gaining new experience in the war against Ukraine. A commander in Russia’s aerospace troops said it would also bolster its air defence system to counter Finland’s accession to the NATO alliance. Since Moscow invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, in what it terms “a special military operation,” the fighting has changed into a grinding artillery war with extensive use of missiles and drones, testing the air defences of both Ukraine and Russia.
Deputy commander-in-chief of aerospace forces, Lt. Gen. Andrei Demin, said that air defence troops had faced many challenges in the face of Ukrainian strikes.
He said that Russia had added over 50 mobile radar stations and A-50 early warning, control aircraft patrolled twenty-four hours a day while anti-aircraft and missile installations in regions close to Ukraine had been bolstered, Reuters reported.
Demin said that in Ukrainian regions under Moscow’s control, air defence units had been established to defend key installations, while Russia had increased the production of the RLK-MC anti-drone system.
Implementation of defence reforms
Demin said that reforms are planned and would be implemented.
He added that the aim of the changes is the development of the armed troops, aimed at improving the air defences of the Russian Federation.”
Demin said that Russia would also bolster its defence system after Finland, which shares a 1,300-km border with Russia, joined NATO.
