Russia unleashed a wave of missiles and drones on Ukraine during the night of May 30 and 31.  The Ukrainian Air Force was quick to respond. They spotted three Kh-59/69 cruise missiles taking off from Belgorod Oblast.  They also saw two jet-powered drones and two S-300 interceptors.  These were launched from Kursk Oblast.  The Air Force also tracked 107 Shahed and decoy drones.  These came from various locations.  These included Kursk City, Millerovo in Rostov Oblast, Shatalovo in Smolensk Oblast, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Krasnodar Krai, and even occupied Cape Chauda in Crimea.

The Ukrainian forces were ready.  They shot down three of the Kh-59/69 missiles.  They also took down 42 drones.  These were spotted in northern, eastern, southern, and central Ukraine.  Additionally, 30 drones were either lost or jammed by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems.  Unfortunately, some strikes still hit civilian areas.  These included Kharkiv, Sumy, Cherkasy, and Donetsk oblasts.

The night also saw some unusual activity from Russian forces.  A Tu-95MS aircraft was spotted training with an Engels-2 aircraft.  This is a strategic aviation move.  Transport aviation also saw action.  Three Il-76MD aircraft landed at Rostov Airport.  An An-26 aircraft touched down at Kursk airport.  Reconnaissance aircraft were also busy.  An A-50U anti-aircraft missile system conducted reconnaissance from the Ulyanovsk airbase.  An Il-22 aircraft from Petrozavodsk was also on the move.

There was a lot of redeployment happening.  A Su-34R aircraft moved from Maikop airfield to Lipetsk-2 airfield.  Two Su-34R aircraft from Lipetsk-2 conducted reconnaissance.  Four Su-24MR aircraft from Morozovsk were also on the move.  One Su-24MR aircraft from Khotilovo conducted reconnaissance.  All of these movements suggest a strategic shift in Russian operations.  It is clear that Ukraine's air defense is a force to be reckoned with.  The night's events highlight the ongoing tension and the constant need for vigilance.  It is a reminder of the complex and ever-changing nature of modern warfare.  The use of drones and electronic warfare adds a new layer to the conflict.  It is a testament to the evolving tactics and technologies in use today.

Ukraine's Air Defense: A Night of Missiles and Drones

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