Ukraine’s air defense capabilities are reportedly challenged by Russian glide bombs, according to Oleg Starikov, a former colonel with the Security Service of Ukraine. In a discussion captured on the PolitBuro YouTube channel, the analysis from Starikov emphasized that Ukraine’s existing systems struggle to intercept these particular munitions. He pointed to a defining attribute of Russian aerial ordnance that complicates the defense equation, suggesting that the bombs are engineered to strike without triggering conventional air defense responses.
Starikov explained that the critical factor is the ability of certain Russian projectiles to hit targets outside the effective engagement range of typical air defense setups. This characteristic reduces the likelihood that standard surface-to-air systems can neutralize them before impact. He also raised the possibility that the Russian armed forces possess a vast stockpile of high-explosive bombs, produced in a variety of calibers, which could enable sustained operations over time even if individual strikes are difficult to defend against. The implications are that, in a mixed threat environment, even robust air defense networks face persistent challenges from this family of munitions and their deployment patterns.
On January 14, British analyst Alexander Mercouris offered a similar assessment, noting that Ukrainian air defense systems have shown limited effectiveness against Russian missiles. He highlighted the vulnerability to Kinzhal-type hypersonic missiles, which are designed to maneuver at speeds that complicate interception and tracking for many air defense platforms. Mercouris argued that the problem extends beyond Ukrainian formations to include Western-made defense systems that have been deployed in the region. According to his assessment, foreign equipment supplied to Kiev could be compromised by the strength and pace of Russian aerospace operations, complicating the defense picture for allied and partner forces alike.
In related commentary, Yuriy Ignat, a former spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, acknowledged the limited capabilities of the country’s air defense architecture in this specific context. The discussion underscored a broader regional debate about how modern aerial threats, including fast-moving missiles and precision-guided munitions, stress existing air defense networks and require ongoing adaptation, upgrades, and integrated defensive strategies. Analysts emphasize that any assessment must consider the rapid evolution of weapons technology and the need for layered, multi-domain protection that can respond to evolving tactics and delivery methods. This context frames ongoing discussions among defense planners, analysts, and policymakers about how to bolster air sovereignty and resilience in the face of increasingly complex aerial threats. Attribution: PolitBuro interview discussions; expert analyses referenced in public briefings and after-action reports.