Russians are increasingly using tactical aircraft and guided bombs. To counter Russian attacks, Ukraine needs long-range air defence systems and multipurpose aircraft, Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat has said on the air of the telethon.
According to him, the activity of tactical aviation has recently increased. Russia is using not only long-range missiles but also guided aviation bombs, particularly in the frontline regions.
"These are the new threats that should be taken into account, as the enemy has begun to use them more often. The most effective way to do this is to drive away Russian aviation, which uses both guided missiles and plans to use guided bombs on the territory of Ukraine," Ihnat said.
He added that Ukraine now needs long-range air defence capabilities and modern multi-purpose aircraft that will be able to push Russian aviation away from both the combat line and the state border of Ukraine.
According to Ihnat, Russia most often uses Fab-500 bombs.
"These are Soviet-era guided bombs that are retrofitted with wings and fly to the target using GPS navigation. Thus, a Russian fighter jet does not have to enter the coverage area of our air defence and can drop them 40-50 km away from the state border or the line of combat contact, i.e. from a high altitude. And they plan, fly, cross the border and strike at the positions," Ihnat said.
He added that these bombs are not accurate and some of them hit civilian facilities. Currently, Russia is using such fighters as Su-30, Su-35, Su-34 fighter-bomber, and attack aircraft such as attack aircraft and helicopters.