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| ЗРК Панцир |
In a recent intelligence report published on December 3 by the UK Ministry of Defense, the ongoing struggle between Russia and Ukraine to overcome each other's ground-based air defense systems is identified as a key aspect of the conflict.
The report underscores the significance of the Tor short-range air defense missile system for Russia, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding the front line of ground forces. Operated by the air defense units of the Russian army, the Tor system is instrumental in protecting against Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and serves as the first line of defense in the Russian army's air defense network in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Pantsir air defense systems, utilized by the Russian Aerospace Forces, are typically deployed to safeguard command nodes, longer-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and Russian air bases.
A notable observation from UK intelligence is the active use of the Tor SAM by Russian forces to counter Ukrainian UAVs, showcasing its pivotal role in the ongoing conflict. However, the report highlights a potential limitation – the endurance of the Tor system's crew.
With each Tor system manned by only three individuals, maintaining a high level of combat readiness over an extended period proves to be an endurance challenge. This insight sheds light on the demanding conditions faced by the Russian army's air defense personnel in Ukraine.
In a previous update, UK intelligence revealed that in November 2023, Russia strategically relocated the S-400 air defense system from Kaliningrad Oblast, its enclave on the Baltic Sea coast, to compensate for recent losses on the Ukrainian front. The report provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the conflict and the strategic maneuvers undertaken by both parties in the ongoing struggle for air superiority.
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