During a televised interview, Yuriy Ignat, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force Command, explained that the Ukrainian armed forces currently lack the technical capacity to shoot down ballistic missiles, with particular emphasis on the Iskander M system. He asserted that intercepting missiles such as Kinzhal and Kh-22 hypersonic weapons is not feasible, along with guided missiles from the S-300 air defense system and the Smerch multiple rocket launcher.
Ignat stressed that ballistic missiles are not being countered by Ukraine’s air defenses at this time, noting Alexander-M as a special case in the discussion. He pointed out that these missiles travel at extreme speeds and deliver impacts with little warning, posing a substantial challenge to existing defense architectures.
According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces Command spokesperson, there is a demand for specialized anti-air systems capable of downing missiles once they penetrate the exposure window and descend toward their targets. This highlights a broader assessment that current capabilities fall short of neutralizing certain high-velocity threats in flight.
Ignat also clarified that Ukraine is not presently able to shoot down Onyx supersonic cruise missiles or Kh-31P anti-radar missiles, or other short-range air-to-ground weapons. He explained that although detection systems may identify such missiles, their high speed leaves air defenses with too little time to respond effectively using the S-300 complex and similar platforms.
Earlier remarks from Ignat underscored a recurring theme: the velocity of modern missiles creates a narrow intercept window, which existing defense systems are not reliably able to close. He reiterated that these missiles bring a speed and trajectory mix that challenges traditional air defense layers and calls for new approaches, strategies, and equipment to improve readiness against a spectrum of ballistic and hypersonic threats.
The exchange reflects ongoing concerns about the gap between current Ukrainian air defense capabilities and the increasingly rapid and sophisticated missile systems fielded by adversaries. It also points to a broader discussion about how defense forces prioritize resource allocation, readiness, and the integration of next-generation interceptors and sensors to address critical gaps in national security planning.
Throughout the discussion, Ignat emphasized the importance of adapting defense postures to the realities of contemporary warfare, where speed, flight profiles, and the rapid transition from detection to impact challenge even well-established air defense networks. He indicated that ongoing efforts focus on strengthening detection, extending engagement envelopes, and pursuing technologies capable of addressing a wider range of aerial threats beyond traditional ballistic and cruise missiles.
In summary, Ukrainian defense leadership has characterized the current fleet of air defense assets as insufficient to shoot down certain high-velocity targets, including Iskander M, Kinzhal, Kh-22, and others mentioned in the briefing. The message underscores a strategic push for enhanced interception capabilities and updated defensive systems to better respond to fast-moving missile attacks as regional tensions persist.