The Ukrainian delegation has completed its work in the United States of America, presenting its experience in adapting to new conditions of combat operations following the large-scale invasion by Russia. As noted by Marina Grytsenko, Executive Director of the Kyiv Institute of Snake Island, the focus of the discussions was on changing approaches to air defense in light of mass attacks by inexpensive drones.
This is reported by Kyiv24
New Challenges for Air Defense Systems
According to Grytsenko, the emergence of mass drone attacks, particularly by Iranian Shahed drones, has significantly impacted the effectiveness of traditional air defense systems and their economic viability.
“The mass and large-scale attack of cheap drones… really changes how systems operate. We have long understood that using missiles costing 4.5 million dollars for Patriot to shoot down a Shahed drone is not economically feasible. I think America (during combat operations in the Middle East – ed.) faced a mass attack of cheap drones for the first time… which really changes how systems work,” said Marina Grytsenko
The Ukrainian side emphasized that the country’s experience could be beneficial for the USA, which has encountered such threats for the first time during recent events in the Middle East.
Mutually Beneficial Partnership and Innovative Solutions
Ukraine has responded to modern challenges by creating a multi-layered air defense system that combines Western technologies with cutting-edge developments. It includes interceptor drones, acoustic sensors, and other innovative detection and response systems. Marina Grytsenko emphasized that this is not just about helping Ukraine, but about forming a long-term partnership based on shared interests.
During the visit, the delegation participated in a security forum in Miami and held a series of meetings in Washington. The group included Ukrainian military practitioners, including a representative from the Air Forces with experience working with Western air defense systems, and an officer responsible for implementing innovative solutions at the front lines.
Ukrainian experts highlighted that the events in the Middle East and the threats faced by Ukraine since 2022 have much in common, and that is why the exchange of experience and technologies is a key factor in strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries.