On December 25, Sputnik quoted an announcement from the Russian Defense Ministry stating that Russian armed forces participating in a special military operation destroyed a number of advanced NASAMS surface-to-air missile systems (Norway) and a French Crotale NG short-range air defense system being used by Ukraine.
The announcement said the systems are being deployed at Starokonstantinov airport in Khmelnitsky region, western Ukraine.
According to Sputnik, this is the first time the Russian Defense Ministry has reported the destruction of the Crotale NG system in combat and is further evidence that NATO's cutting-edge equipment is not invulnerable. Since the beginning of the conflict, France has provided Ukraine with two Crotale NG air defense batteries.
Crotale NG short-range air defense system donated by France to Ukraine. (Photo: Sputnik)
The Russian military is said to have carried out a coordinated attack involving the air force, missile forces, artillery and even unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the raid on Starokonstantinov. In addition to disabling air defense systems, the attack also caused damage to Ukrainian aircraft equipment, flight guidance systems and ammunition depots in Kanatovo, Kirovograd region and Dnepr, Dnepropetrovsk region.
According to Army Certification, the impact of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s air defenses is expected to be more significant than last year. The December 24 attack showed that destroying enemy air defenses will allow the Russian military to gain more control of the airspace. While reducing the risk to their aircraft, it will enhance their ability to conduct air operations such as tactical bombing, close air support for ground forces, and reconnaissance missions.
The French Crotale NG missile system is a modernized version of the Crotale air defense system for short-to-medium range air defense missions. Equipped with the VT1 missile with a range of about 11 km, it is advertised as being effective against aircraft, helicopters, various precision-guided weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system can engage targets at altitudes of up to 6,000 m.
NASAMS advanced surface-to-air missile system. (Photo: Sputnik)
The NASAMS missile, which was provided by some European countries to Ukraine, uses the AIM-120 (AMRAAM) missile, which also has the mission of short- to medium-range air defense, and is capable of attacking targets at a distance of up to 25km.
This air defense system can neutralize airborne threats at altitudes of up to 15,200 m, providing comprehensive coverage against a wide range of airborne assets including aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.
Another outstanding feature of NASAMS is its ability to track and attack multiple targets simultaneously. The combination of multiple target tracking capabilities, significant engagement range and high-altitude operation capability makes NASAMS a formidable air defense system, capable of providing strong protection in a variety of combat situations.
Tra Khanh (Source: Sputnik)
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