"The enemy uses a huge number of drones"

How do air defense units work in the special operation zone

Today, the activity of barrel artillery and manned aircraft on the line of contact is decreasing, but at the same time the enemy is constantly increasing the use of various types of UAVs: from small FPV attack drones to large reconnaissance aircraft-type UAVs. In such circumstances, Russian units are increasingly paying attention to air defense. Izvestia correspondents visited the air defense units of the Center group, saw the work of the Strela-10 and Tor anti-aircraft missile systems, and also learned about how protection against small drones in the troops is changing.

How has the air defense changed

Air defense is not only a branch of the armed forces, but also the whole range of measures to protect against air attack, which takes place in the troops at all levels. And in modern conditions, when the enemy uses a large number of reconnaissance drones, kamikazes and small copter "bombers", the fight against aircraft begins at the level of platoons and squads. It is often possible to see that electronic warfare equipment and air surveillance posts are also available on individual artillery installations or in groups.

The defense of the anti-aircraft missile launchers themselves has also changed. If earlier the main threat to them was represented by attack helicopters emerging from behind the folds of the terrain, now they are kamikaze drones. Therefore, the installations are covered by anti-aircraft gunners. To protect the "Arrow", a regular machine gun is used, which is equipped with a machine mounted on a tripod.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan

Image source: iz.ru

— Our car has not been so close yet, but we are ready. We trained in shooting at aerial targets," says a fighter with the call sign Camel at the machine gun.

The installation of the medium-range "Tor" is already covered by two fighters. One of them is armed with an electronic warfare system and a 12-caliber smoothbore rifle.

— We accompany the combat vehicle to work and protect it from small copters. We always work in pairs to break down the review by sector. In principle, there was nothing difficult in mastering this specialty. They helped with the gun, many soldiers are hunters, everyone knows how to act, how to shoot. As with electronic equipment, it is also nothing complicated, it was shown in practice, explained. So far, we have shot down one FPV drone that threatened the car. We haven't come across anything else yet," says the anti-aircraft gunner Sedoy.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan

Image source: iz.ru

Large reconnaissance drones of the aircraft type are already hitting anti-aircraft missile systems. Closer to the line of contact, daytime cover is provided by the Strela air defense system. These machines can operate covertly, they do not have active radiation, so the enemy's electronic intelligence cannot detect them in places of combat duty.

— At the moment, our main task is the destruction of enemy UAVs, such as "Lelek", "Fury", "Valkyrie" and others. We are covering our artillery units from detection from the air," says the anti—aircraft gunner officer Grandfather.

Initially, the machine was designed to fight enemy helicopters and attack aircraft. But with the help of new missiles and tactics, it can also fight drones. This month alone, the anti-aircraft gunners of this unit shot down 12 large aircraft-type drones.

"Barbecue" for "Thor"

Tor air defense systems are used to detect targets and cover objects. The car we saw is covered with additional armor, and the engine compartment is protected from above by a metal mesh on the frame — a structure for which the name "barbecue" was fixed in the troops.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan

Image source: iz.ru

— The enemy uses a huge number of drones that are trying to pass at low altitudes. These are artisanal models, and various inconspicuous devices, as well as kamikaze drones. But we cope with all the difficulties, we do our job and try to destroy as many air targets as possible," says the commander of the Tor calculation with the call sign Minus.

According to him, the enemy's manned aircraft is now afraid to enter the air defense zone and works from long ranges.

On Victory Day and the days of the Donbass republics following it, the enemy has been preparing for years to intensify shelling, bombing and other actions in order to intimidate civilians. Such actions have already become a terrible tradition among the Ukrainian militants and the authorities. Therefore, our fighters on holidays should be especially ready for any actions of the enemy.

— We are ready to be on duty all day long, which we are doing. We don't doze off, our guys are constantly working," says Minus.

According to him, all this makes it possible to destroy the enemy's plans.

Dmitry Astrakhan