Ukraine could establish a powerful ‘air shield’ to protect its territory from Russian attacks. All the necessary details are described in the vision of the Air Force.
Can Ukraine create an ‘air shield’?
It’s quite bombastic to talk about an ‘air shield’ for Ukraine. Indeed, one wishes to have such a dome that would protect everyone, but it’s not realistic for us. A country like Israel (the size of one Ukrainian region) can afford such a shield,” explained Yuri Ignat, the spokesperson for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Moreover, according to Ignat, even the famous Israeli shield can’t handle everything that flies when faced with massive shelling by various means.
What is needed to create an ‘air shield’?
According to him, in the case of Ukraine, it will be possible to speak of a powerful ‘air shield’ when the country obtains everything it desires in the prospective Air Force model, previously outlined in the Defense Forces’ vision.
This vision was approved even before the war, prescribing what the air defense should look like.
But let’s return to reality. Today there is constant readiness. When colleagues ask us how prepared we are, or if we are preparing, what options do we have? We put everything we have on the line. We don’t keep any anti-aircraft systems in reserve,” added the Air Force spokesman.
“‘Air shield’ for Ukraine”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that the Foreign Ministers of the G7 countries meeting in Japan would discuss comprehensive support for Ukraine. In particular, they will discuss the ‘air shield.’
Additionally, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba mentioned that Ukraine will turn a blind eye to Germany’s reluctance to transfer Taurus cruise missiles if Berlin provides Kyiv with additional air defense systems ahead of a challenging winter.