Russia has decided that its air defence forces need a bit of a makeover after experiencing some intense action in the Ukraine war. It also seems to have heard some gossip about Finland wanting to join the NATO military alliance, so they’re doubling down on their air defences, according to a high-flying commander from Russia’s aerospace forces.
Ever since Russia decided to pay a not-so-friendly visit to Ukraine on February 24 last year, the conflict has been quite the spectacle with quite the artillery show. Both Russia and Ukraine’s air defences have been put to the test, featuring the latest in drone and missile technology.
Lieutenant General Andrei Demin, who happens to be the deputy commander-in-chief of aerospace forces, had a chat with the Red Star newspaper on Monday. He mentioned that the Ukrainian strikes had put Russia’s air defence forces through their paces, making them break a sweat.
To stay ahead of the game, Russia has added more than 50 mobile radar stations and A-50 early warning aircraft, which apparently now fly around the clock. They’ve also beefed up missile and anti-aircraft installations near Ukraine.
In the parts of Ukraine that Russia has managed to make their own, the good Lieutenant General said they’ve established air defence units to protect their shiny, new assets. He also hinted that they’ve cranked up the production of an anti-drone system called RLK-MC.
Demin told the newspaper that some significant changes are definitely in the cards for Russia’s air defences, all in the name of enhancing their armed forces’ cool factor.
As for Finland possibly joining NATO, Demin said the air defence forces are working on protecting Russia’s borders in the northwest, just in case things get a little too heated between them and their 800-mile-long neighbour.
