The Air Force explained the difficulties of intercepting Russian GPBs in the Sumy region.
12.03.2025
1871

Journalist
Shostal Oleksandr
12.03.2025
1871

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are unable to shoot down Russian guided aerial bombs - Air Force
The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have air and missile defense systems that are unable to shoot down Russian-origin guided aerial bombs (GPBs). This was stated by Yuriy Ihnat, head of the public relations service of the Air Force Command of the AFU.
In the regions bordering the aggressor country, coverage is available. However, systems such as Patriot cannot be stationed very close to the border, as they would be destroyed.
According to Ihnat, Patriot systems are currently used to protect critical objects, such as civilian cities and critical infrastructure facilities.
We generally do not claim that we shoot down GPBs. There is nothing specific against them. The only way to protect against them is through comprehensive measures. There are only Patriot missile systems. They drop bombs from a distance of 70 km, while the NASAMS and IRST systems have a maximum range of 40 km. Therefore, when they are located near the border, it's only 25-40 km... The Patriot missile systems have a range of up to 150 km, so they have greater capabilities to protect the sky of Ukraine from Russian GPBs.
According to Ihnat, the Air Force of the AFU managed to intervene and protect the sky from aerial bombs and GPBs, but there are no corresponding statistical data.
Aerial platforms such as F-16, intelligence assets, electronic warfare, and Patriot missile systems. A comprehensive approach using both ground and aerial assets will allow us to counter Russian GPBs.
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