On the night of October 9, the Russian Federation launched a large-scale combined attack on Ukrainian critical infrastructure, particularly targeting energy facilities. During this strike, the enemy used a significant number of various aerial strike means, including ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Features of the Attack: Massive Use of Ballistic Missiles
According to available information, Russia simultaneously launched 14 ballistic missiles of the “Iskander-M” type or M/KN-23. In addition, two air-launched ballistic missiles “Kinzhal” were also involved, along with other strike means. The attacks were not concentrated on one specific area – various regions of Ukraine were affected.
“These include drones, ballistic, air-launched cruise, and aviation missiles. Today’s strike was dispersed, not focused on one particular area. Various regions were affected. A key feature of this strike is the use of a large number of ballistic missiles. In addition to the two air-launched ‘Kinzhal’ missiles, 14 ballistic missiles ‘Iskander-M’, or M/KN-23, were launched simultaneously,” said the spokesperson for the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Scale of Weaponry Used and Effectiveness of Air Defense
Overall, during the attack, the aggressor country used over 30 missiles of various types, as well as more than 465 unmanned aerial vehicles, of which 200 were strike drones. The remaining drones also carried combat payloads. Russia primarily targeted the energy infrastructure, which once again underscores its strategic goal – to disrupt the operation of key energy facilities in Ukraine during the autumn-winter period.
During the attack, Ukraine’s air defense managed to shoot down four Russian ballistic missiles using the Patriot air defense system. However, as emphasized by the spokesperson for the Air Forces, the capabilities of these systems remain limited due to their short range – only a few dozen kilometers. The existing complexes are insufficient for effective coverage of all regional centers.