Thanks for this. Including the list of previous pieces. I always read them. Think I understand them. Reads some more and suddenly realise, no I didn’t… but that’s ok. I find it very good that you bother to write about this so us «new comers» to your blog can learn.
"... they [Russians] can’t establish a clear-cut air superiority over the battlefield/along the frontlines."
A question from a neophyte in this area: Given two opponents equipped with technologically robust, ground based air defense assets, is it possible for one of the opponents eventually to gain anywhere from air dominance to air supremacy over the battle space? Also, how effective has the current UAV drone war been in degrading the assets of each side's IADS?
The drones approached the target in a large group at an altitude of 2000 meters and attacked it from a dive. Thus, the mobile fire teams were unable to interfere with them. Given the fact that the production of attack drones in Russia is increasing, this is a very serious threat - the Ukrainians have nothing to counter such tactics with.
Great post thank you. Curious though, if not Ukraine which European country has more Ground based air defence systems. Surprised that Ukraine was 3rd in terms of numbers. I remember reading an article by a Janes analyst a while back that Ukraine had the densest SAM network in Europe. I assumed it had the second most GBADs after Russia. https://geimint.blogspot.com/2009/07/ukrainian-sam-network.html
Thanks. I find this type of articles most valuable and interesting. Even more obscure is the one of EW and how it works. These are “invisible battles” that makes a difference.
Thanks for continuing the series, excellent writing. Not connected, but read this article just now. Seems the reason strategic drone campaign in Russia has shown some coherence lately is because at least a part of it isn't run by SBU or GUR: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/articles/2025/03/17/7503165/
The point on blue on blue is interesting. “Shoot at everything in air” is exactly what often US troops did in Europe and Africa in WW2. Plane recognition is hard…
Thank you for the homework :)
Dear Tom.
What do You know about operations of special forces on radars from SAM in Crimea?
Lets say nothing, and leave it at that.
Ok)) I agreed))
I'll be paying good ol' Krim another visit next month, I'll ask them.
Thanks again Tom, waiting for the other parts.
Hi Tom, I keep the chapter of the IADS saga well kept, by the way I learned a lot
Dear Tom, Thank You for time and dedication.
God bless ZSU.
Thanks for this. Including the list of previous pieces. I always read them. Think I understand them. Reads some more and suddenly realise, no I didn’t… but that’s ok. I find it very good that you bother to write about this so us «new comers» to your blog can learn.
"... they [Russians] can’t establish a clear-cut air superiority over the battlefield/along the frontlines."
A question from a neophyte in this area: Given two opponents equipped with technologically robust, ground based air defense assets, is it possible for one of the opponents eventually to gain anywhere from air dominance to air supremacy over the battle space? Also, how effective has the current UAV drone war been in degrading the assets of each side's IADS?
In answer to your first question - no, air supremacy is not possible against an opponent that has adequate networked air defenses.
The confusion is caused by a lot of people thinking air superiority and uncontested airspace mean the same thing.
An excelent lecture, as allways, thanks got this Tom Cooper
Tom, thank you. I am familiar with all your work on this topic. Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself, but I am concerned about the information about the latest drone attack on Odessa. https://tsn.ua/ru/ato/rossiyane-ispolzuyut-novuyu-taktiku-primeneniya-dronov-po-ukraine-polkovnik-zapasa-vsu-obyasnil-detali-2792709.html
The drones approached the target in a large group at an altitude of 2000 meters and attacked it from a dive. Thus, the mobile fire teams were unable to interfere with them. Given the fact that the production of attack drones in Russia is increasing, this is a very serious threat - the Ukrainians have nothing to counter such tactics with.
Yup, an extremely concerning development.
Simply excellent!
Great post thank you. Curious though, if not Ukraine which European country has more Ground based air defence systems. Surprised that Ukraine was 3rd in terms of numbers. I remember reading an article by a Janes analyst a while back that Ukraine had the densest SAM network in Europe. I assumed it had the second most GBADs after Russia. https://geimint.blogspot.com/2009/07/ukrainian-sam-network.html
AIR DE FENCE....
Yeah....I know that one. After winter is over you go outside and hang your fences up on wires so they can air out.....right?????
Thanks. I find this type of articles most valuable and interesting. Even more obscure is the one of EW and how it works. These are “invisible battles” that makes a difference.
Thanks for continuing the series, excellent writing. Not connected, but read this article just now. Seems the reason strategic drone campaign in Russia has shown some coherence lately is because at least a part of it isn't run by SBU or GUR: https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/articles/2025/03/17/7503165/
Oh, finally something that's making sense (in Ukraine). Thanks a lot!
It seems that semi modern SAM systems in a reasonable modern IADS can seriously handicap a "4th/4.5th Generation" air force.
The point on blue on blue is interesting. “Shoot at everything in air” is exactly what often US troops did in Europe and Africa in WW2. Plane recognition is hard…