Zelenskyy Demands Air Force Review Over Inadequate Shahed Drone Interceptions.
Ukrainian Air Force Performance Under Scrutiny
According to TSN.ua: In a video address on January 20, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared the performance of the Air Force in countering Iranian-made 'Shahed' drones to be unsatisfactory. He stated that despite having interceptors, mobile fire groups, and F-16 fighter jets, the operational organization of the Air Force requires significant improvement.
Zelenskyy emphasized that discussions with the Minister of Defense will be held to address the situation.
"Conclusions will be drawn," he added.In a direct move to boost effectiveness against the Shahed drones, Pavlo Yelizarov has been appointed as the officer responsible for their downing and has become the deputy commander of the Air Force. These drones are a persistent threat, used by Russian forces for long-range attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Concerns Over Air Defense Capabilities
The president's statement highlights serious concerns regarding the current efficacy of Ukraine's air defense system. The appointment of a new official specifically tasked with combating drones may signal an attempt to optimize resources and improve coordination within the Air Force. It is crucial that these changes lead to a faster response to unmanned aerial threats, which could substantially impact the country's overall security amid the ongoing conflict.
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