Russian tactics in Ukraine reflect need for GBAD
Russian precision strikes initially focused on defence infrastructure but population centres in Ukraine are not been immune from the effects of the invasion. (Photo: Andriy Dubchack/Donbass Frontier)
What should NATO planners take as initial lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war?
The opening phases of the Russian invasion of Ukraine demonstrated the need for layered ground-based air defences that are capable of protecting critical national defence infrastructure.
The initial attack included the widespread use of cruise and short-range ballistic missile strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure. Russian state-run media reported that Ukrainian airfields and air defences were targeted on the first day.
Russia claims to have destroyed 14 Ukrainian airfields, 19 C2 stations, 24 anti-aircraft systems including S-300s and 48 radar stations.
Most claims from Russia lack independent verification but it is clear that an extensive effort has been made, although not entirely
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