Countermeasures of the Defence Forces of Ukraine against Means of Air Attack of the Russian Federation (February 24, 2022 — February 28, 2023)

Abstract

The aims to trace the nature of the use of the air attack means (means of air attack include ballistic missiles, heavier-than-air aircrafts — military aircrafts, helicopters, cruise missiles, aerial bombs, UAVs, and aerostats) by the Russian Federation during the first year of the wide-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, based on the analysis and comparison and to determine the countermeasures and anti-aircraft means used by the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism and impartiality and the use of comparative-historical and statistical methods.

Scientific novelty. The data on the quantitative indicators of the means of the air attack of the aggressor — the Russian Federation and the information on the countermeasures against air attack means of the Russian Federation are introduced into the scientific circulation, the classification of the air defence systems and means of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, including those received by Ukraine within the framework of international military-technical assistance according to the principle of the phasing of acquisition and basic tactical and technical characteristics has  been carried out.

In the conclusions to the article, the effectiveness of the use of air attack means of the Russian Federation and the effectiveness of countering them by the Ukrainian air defence system, the intentions of the military and political leadership of the Russian Federation, and the chronology of air strikes, according to periodization and type are determined. The quantity of air defence complexes and means provided to Ukraine by the partner states and their impact on the conduct of hostilities are pointed out. Directions for strengthening Ukrainian air defence are outlined.