Ukrainian Air Force demonstrates NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system for the first time (photo)
Last year, the Ukrainian Air Force received two NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems. A few months later, we saw them for the first time.
The Air Force has received two systems, but more NASAMS systems are expected to arrive from the United States, one from Canada and two fire platoons from Norway. The number of launchers is not specified. The first photos of the anti-aircraft missile system in Ukraine were published by Channel 24, which interviewed the spokesman for the Air Force Command, Yuriy Ihnat.
According to him, the effectiveness of shooting down Russian missiles has increased dramatically after Ukraine received Western air defense systems. In particular, NASAMS and Iris-T. Before their arrival, only 20-30% of missiles were shot down, but after receiving NASAMS and Iris-T, the efficiency increased by 2-3 times.
At the same time, Yuriy Ihnat added that medium-range air defense systems cannot protect the entire territory of Ukraine. In this regard, they are used to intercept missiles in strategically important areas.
Currently, the Ukrainian Air Force, which uses Western and Soviet anti-aircraft missile systems, can shoot down Kalibr, X-101/X-555/X-55, R-500 (Iskander), X-59, and X-35 missiles relatively effectively. At the same time, Russia has launched more than 120 X-22 missiles, and each one has hit its target.
This is due to the fact that the X-22 reaches speeds of up to 5000 km/h and dives at the target on a ballistic trajectory. Patriot and SAMP/T air defense systems are needed to intercept such threats. However, it should be understood that they will not be able to provide 100% efficiency either, as the maximum range of interception of such targets is 40 km.
