According to the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force command, Yuriy Ignat, the Russian military in the occupied Crimea does not have the means to defend against the Western missiles SCALP/Storm Shadow acquired by Ukraine.
Source: All-Ukrainian Telethon.
What is known about the effectiveness of Western missiles during strikes on Crimea?
“The highly anticipated weaponry we now have is cruise missiles. These are the missiles that the enemy has been constantly attacking us with from the first days of the war—those X-101 or Kalibr missiles—it’s the same type of weaponry. Well, not just the same, but even better. The enemy cannot shoot down these missiles, despite their ‘unparalleled air defense systems’ over there. Some of them may be intercepted, but based on the results, we see that the missiles reach their target. Crimea, which is heavily equipped with air defense systems, cannot handle Western-produced cruise missiles,” emphasizes Ignat.
He noted that the use of these missiles consistently yields results. “We see results all the time, not only in the occupied Crimea but also in other areas where the enemy concentrates its logistics and ammunition,” emphasized the Air Force spokesperson.
Will Ukraine receive ATACMS from the United States?
In response to the question of whether Ukraine used ATACMS when targeting the Russian Federation’s headquarters in Sevastopol, he replied: If it were ATACMS, it would have been obvious. Because cruise and ballistic missiles have significantly different flight trajectories, strike objectives, and so on,” Ignat noted. At the same time, Ignat predicted that the United States will eventually provide ATACMS to Ukraine.
“I think ATACMS will be provided. More and more news is emerging that this will happen. And not just ATACMS, but other weaponry as well. Taurus missiles from the German manufacturer are also very much needed. The question is in the quantity. German, French, British, and American ATACMS will significantly change the situation on the front lines. And with the arrival of Western aircraft, it will be a completely different story,” emphasized the spokesperson for the Air Force.