Ukrainian Ministry of Defense: Ukraine preparing to repel massive air strikes
For the first time, Ukraine has begun preparing anti-aircraft missile units to repel a series of massive enemy air strikes, stated Dmitry Karpenko, head of air defense missile forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as reported by the press service of the Defense Ministry.
“The important thing in the current process of combat training is that we have begun to prepare anti-aircraft missile units to repel a series of massive air strikes, which has not been done since 1992,” Karpenko said.
He said that this year about 120 command staff, tactical, and anti-aircraft missile exercises are planned. There will also be three tactical exercises with live fire. In July, at the Shabla training ground in Bulgaria, joint Bulgarian-Ukrainian air defense unit drills with combat shooting will be held.
Also, controlled flight tests of anti-aircraft guided missiles as well as tactical exercises with live firing of Buk-M1 air defense system units will be held this year in the Kherson region.
Karpenko gave assurances that Ukraine is now sufficiently protected from enemy air strikes. According to him, a powerful group of anti-aircraft missile units, capable of repelling a massive attack of enemy aircraft and cruise missiles, is now stationed in the Donbas.
Earlier, NSDC (National Security and Defense Council) Secretary Aleksandr Turchynov said that Ukraine has regained its position as a missile power.
On December 1, 2016, Ukraine conducted rocket firing tests in the Crimean region. In all, 16 rockets were launched. The military said that all the missiles hit their targets.