Russia is building a “sky dome” over its megacities
Moscow and Saint Petersburg are strengthening their air defence due to the threat posed by Ukrainian drones. Russian megacities have proven vulnerable to small unmanned aerial vehicles, and the Kremlin is actively purchasing Chinese radars to create such a system. This was stated by Air Force reserve officer Anatolii Khrapchynskyi.
Although Russia possesses powerful air defence systems, they are effective against missiles and aircraft, but not against small drones, Khrapchynskyi explains. “The Leningrad and Moscow regions are in fact protected against missiles and conventional means of attack, including aviation, but they are not protected against small drones. That is why Russia is actively developing its airspace control system, which includes a large number of sensors and radar systems,” he says.
To achieve this, forces are building an extensive network:
- numerous sensors to detect small targets;
- specialised radar systems;
- mobile interception units.
Khrapchynskyi adds that Russia cannot quickly manufacture such equipment on its own, so China is the main supplier. “If we are talking about the Moscow region, where Zircon missiles and Kh-101 missiles are produced, it is well protected. Ballistic weapons would be required to strike such facilities,” the expert explains.
He also notes that Ukraine currently has a “window of opportunity” to make the most effective use of this vulnerability before new Russian systems are deployed.
Among the main reasons for dissatisfaction among Russians are war fatigue and taxation. Public trust in the authorities and key state institutions is steadily declining.
