A massive drone attack on Moscow has exposed the shortcomings of Russia's air defense system, experts say
A massive attack by Ukrainian drones on Moscow on June 18 once again drew attention to the state of Russia’s air defense system. Despite the Kremlin’s claims about its effectiveness, experts point to a number of problems that are allowing Ukrainian drones to increasingly hit targets on Russian territory.
During the attack, a large oil refinery—which supplies about 40% of the Moscow region’s fuel needs—was hit.
There were also reports of a temporary suspension of operations at one of Russia’s largest airports.
Russian military analyst and founder of the Conflict Intelligence Team, Ruslan Leviev, emphasizes that it would be wrong to speak of a complete failure of the air defense system.
“This impression is formed by non-experts who see a missile flying past a drone without hitting it,” he explained.
According to him, Russian air defense forces have intercepted more than 90% of the drones, but even a small number of breakthroughs can cause significant damage.
Leviev emphasizes that the key problem lies in the scale of the attacks, not just in the effectiveness of the systems:
“Massive drone attacks require more equipment than any sector can provide.”
Ukrainian aviation expert and former Air Force officer Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi believes that the success of Ukrainian drones is also linked to technological advances. According to him, Russian air defense systems, in particular the “Pantsir-S1,” were designed for different types of targets.
“They were calibrated to counter metal targets with high radar reflectivity, but modern drones are often made of composite materials,” the expert noted.
As a result, some drones become less detectable by radar and are also able to bypass interception zones thanks to complex flight paths.
Experts cite another factor: the redeployment of Russian air defense systems to the occupied territories of Ukraine, which has weakened the defense of the Russian capital.
“Russia’s redeployment has led to the collapse of what was once a multi-layered air defense system,” said Khrapchynsky.
Additionally, experts note a shortage of long-range S-300 systems and difficulties in restoring them due to sanctions.
Experts also emphasize that, due to Russia’s vast size, it is impossible to create a continuous protective “dome,” and Moscow’s dense urban development further complicates the work of the air defense system.
At the same time, the Kremlin claims that its defense system is effective and that it will continue strikes against Ukraine.
Analysts add that such attacks have not only military but also political implications, influencing the domestic situation in Russia ahead of the State Duma elections.
This is reported by DW.
On June 20, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine released photos of the aftermath of a strike on the Moscow oil refinery, stating that operations there had come to a complete halt. According to the military, a large-scale attack by Ukrainian drones struck processing equipment and fuel tanks, paralyzing the facility.
On the night of June 20, the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out strikes on a number of Russian military facilities. Among the targets was a bridge near Henichesk, which the occupiers use to transport equipment and resupply their troops between occupied Crimea and the southern front.
In Taganrog, Russia, a power substation that supplied electricity to the “Atlant-Aero” defense enterprise was damaged. As a result, production lines involved in the manufacture of drones were disrupted.
