Russians program missiles to alter route mid-flight to evade air defenses, says air force spokesman
The multiple Russian missile strikes on Ukraine on Aug. 15 were precise, and involved both air and sea-launched cruise missiles that could alter their flight paths mid-trajectory, according to Yuriy Ihnat, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson.
“When a person writes a message to our Telegram channel [to warn us about a missile strike] they are essentially typing three words to notify [us], while [at the same time], the missile is already altering its direction. Hence, the adversary programs the missile routes to confound anti-air defense and deceive us,” Ihnat said.
Tu-22MZ aircraft from the Shaikivka and Mozdok airbases struck Donetsk Oblast, near Kramatorsk, with Kh-22 missiles, Ihnat said. These projectiles managed to evade interception measures, reaching their intended target.
Read also: Russia attacked Khmelnytsky Oblast air base three times in one day, local official says
Subsequently, the enemy launched missiles from the Caspian Sea. Strategic aviation assets, including Tu-95 planes, were utilized to execute these strikes, employing Kh-101 and Kh-555 missiles.
“We don’t publicly discuss the exact targets. We can talk about the regions, critical infrastructure objects, and perhaps military installations. The consequences will be reported by local governments. This information is sensitive, and the enemy might draw conclusions from it,” Ihnat said.
He added that S-300 or S-400 missile systems were also launched in the Zaporizhzhya and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.
The missile onslaught on Aug. 15 caused widespread destruction in several regions of Ukraine.
Read also: Russian attacks on Ukrainian air bases ineffective, Air Force spokesperson says
In Lutsk, Volyn Oblast, three people were killed and at least four others were hospitalized after a strike on an industrial site. A fourth fatality was reported in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast.
In Lviv, at least 15 people were injured, with the youngest victim reportedly 10 years old. A kindergarten was destroyed, leaving a crater 9 meters deep and 20 meters in diameter. 20 houses were destroyed, with at least 500 windows blown out because of the strikes.
In Dnipro, a popular sports complex that housed national championships and hundreds of children daily was destroyed. Two people were injured in the strikes and an 800 sq. m fire broke out.
Read also: Russia attacks Dnipro with Iskander missiles
In Smila, Cherkasy Oblast, a medical facility and a private enterprise were hit, with the attack leaving part of the city without water.
In Zaporizhzhya, a rocket destroyed the stadium of a local school.
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
